If switching jobs once felt like the go-to strategy for Filipino professionals seeking greener pastures, today’s employment landscape paints a more grounded picture.

New findings from Michael Page Philippines and Jobstreet by SEEK reveal a workforce that’s no longer chasing the next big offer – instead, they’re digging in their heels, negotiating better pay, and prioritising balance over burnout.

Fewer Filipinos on a job hunt?

Michael Page Philippines’ 2025 Talent Trends report shows a significant drop in active job seekers – only 53% of professionals surveyed said they were actively looking for new roles, down sharply from 74% last year.

In contrast, a growing number of employees are now choosing to negotiate higher pay within their existing roles. Salary negotiations have risen from 27% to 42% year-on-year, with success rates nearly tripling – from 8% to 23%.

“While fewer professionals are actively seeking new roles, more employees than ever are confidently negotiating their salaries and exploring growth within their current organisations,” said Rhiannon Guilford, Director at Michael Page Philippines.

This signals a shift in mindset. Rather than viewing the labour market as a revolving door, workers are showing signs of maturity and long-term thinking. Stability has become more attractive, especially in a post-pandemic economy still regaining its footing. Yet this doesn’t mean passivity – it’s a workforce that knows its worth and isn’t afraid to ask for it.

A noteworthy 36% of respondents said they chose not to switch jobs because they succeeded in their salary negotiations – a clear indicator that employees are testing the waters before jumping ship, and many are getting what they ask for.

Work-life balance over pay and promotion?

Beyond pay, lifestyle considerations are also influencing decisions. More than half (54%) of surveyed professionals said they turned down promotions to maintain work-life harmony. It’s no longer just about climbing the ladder – the view from the top is less appealing if it comes at the cost of health or time with family.

“This underscores the increasing importance of opportunities that allow for career growth without compromising personal wellbeing,” the Michael Page report said.

In a workforce that has weathered pandemic fatigue and economic headwinds, quality of life has become non-negotiable.

Equity, or the lack of it, is another sticking point. Around 41% of respondents said their organisation lacks a transparent salary structure. Gender pay gaps persist, with a quarter of women reporting disparities compared to 16% of men. Meanwhile, older workers continue to feel sidelined – ageism remains a persistent challenge, particularly for those aged 50 and above.

Taken together, these findings point to a workforce that is more self-aware and vocal about fairness – not just in compensation, but in how opportunity is distributed.

Where the jobs are: Accounting takes the lead

While attitudes among workers are evolving, so too is the shape of demand. According to the latest labour market report from Jobstreet by SEEK, accounting has emerged as the most in-demand profession in the Philippines in 2025 – a surprising turn that knocked long-time leaders such as information technology and sales off the top spot.

Accounting roles made up 11.81% of all job advertisements since January, outpacing even the ever-popular ICT field (11.14%) and sales (10.1%). The surge reflects both the recovery of the local economy and expectations of increased business activity. After all, more business means more books to balance.

Call centre and customer service roles followed closely behind, accounting for 9.98% of listings. These were trailed by positions in manufacturing, transport and logistics (8.12%); administration and office support (6.43%); and retail and consumer products (5.4%).

Sales and marketing also showed notable growth. Marketing and communications roles now account for 5.09% of listings – on par with human resources and recruitment. Engineering rounded out the top 10 with 4.74% of postings.

Rising demand aligns with a more upbeat economic outlook. The Philippine Statistics Authority has projected GDP growth to accelerate from 5.4% in the first quarter to 6.2% in the second quarter of the year – a development that is likely to boost employer confidence and fuel more hiring across sectors.

“We’re seeing strong interest across the board – from employers needing skilled talent to jobseekers hoping to find a role that matches their background,” said Joey Yusingco, head of marketing at Jobstreet by SEEK.

A new era of work priorities

Altogether, these insights suggest the Philippine labour market is at a crossroads. On one hand, employers are hungry for talent – particularly in accounting, tech, sales, and customer service. On the other, employees are becoming more selective, using the leverage of a tight market to shape work on their own terms.

Rather than a revolving door of job hopping, employers are seeing a reshaped relationship between talent and opportunity – one grounded in mutual respect, fair pay, and personal wellbeing.

With work no longer the be-all and end-all, Filipino professionals are pushing back on outdated norms and carving out careers that not only pay the bills but also allow them to live well. And if the data is any indication, they’re just getting started.