The Philippines posted the most active job market in Southeast Asia over the past year, driven by robust hiring efforts and evolving employment strategies across industries. This is based on the 2025 Hiring, Compensation & Benefits Report released by Jobstreet by SEEK, which highlighted that local companies have remained aggressive in recruitment despite broader economic headwinds.

According to the report, the Philippines led the region with an 83 percent job market activity level, ahead of Indonesia (75%), Malaysia (74%), Singapore (58%), and Thailand (51%). The findings point to continued employer confidence and demand for talent even as businesses navigate uncertainties.

Across the region, 93 percent of companies were able to hire at least one employee in 2024. In the Philippines alone, 94 percent of employers successfully onboarded new workers. Most of them – 87 percent – hired permanent full-time staff, while others brought in permanent part-time employees (49%), contractual or temporary full-time workers (44%), and part-time contractual hires (26%).

Notably, both the Philippines and Indonesia saw a marked increase in contractual or temporary full-time hiring. Jobstreet by SEEK attributed this trend to company expansions, a growing preference for flexible workforces, and rising demand for specialized skill sets.

Among the firms with active job postings on the platform were Procter & Gamble, Meralco, McDonald’s, Ayala Corporation, and SM – all signaling continued confidence in expanding their manpower pool.

Despite the hiring momentum, the report also noted that workforce reductions became more prevalent across the region. Around 34 percent of surveyed companies engaged in layoffs, retrenchments, or opted not to replace outgoing staff. The Philippines and Indonesia once again posted the highest rates of such reductions, a reflection of the growing shift toward non-permanent labor arrangements.

Jobstreet by SEEK emphasized, however, that this doesn’t necessarily mean shrinking job opportunities. Many displaced workers may have already transitioned into new roles, as national data in several countries, including the Philippines, show ongoing employment growth and declining unemployment rates.

Looking ahead, flexible hiring is expected to take an even bigger role in shaping the region’s employment landscape. About 37 percent of Southeast Asian companies plan to hire more contractual or temporary staff in the first half of 2025. In the Philippines, this trend is more pronounced, with 46 percent of employers indicating plans to onboard non-permanent employees.

“As the job market continues to evolve while remaining resilient, Jobstreet by SEEK stays committed to connecting candidates with hirers and delivering valuable insights like this report that empower hiring managers and assist jobseekers in preparing for better, meaningful opportunities,” said Dannah Majarocon, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK in the Philippines.

The report was conducted between September and October 2024 and reflects the responses of over 7,000 hiring managers and HR professionals across key industries in Southeast Asia.