Filipino workers hike trust, confidence in employers, despite global slowdown

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino workers increased their trust and confidence in their employers, attitudes that will enhance productivity particularly during economic downturns, a survey undertaken by a US global consulting company said.

Filipino employees secured an overall employee engagement score of 77 percent, four percent higher than previous results, indicating their focus and direction will lead to their organizations’ success, Arlington, Virginia-headquartered Watson Wyatt said.
“The rise of engagement levels in the Philippines was in stark contrast to the decline in engagement and its components across Asia Pacific countries," said the 2008/2009 survey, which forms part of Watson Wyatt’s ongoing WorkAttitudes™ studies of global employee attitudes.

“Due to the Philippines’ mobile workforce both domestically and internationally, companies are exerting more effort to manage their talents and encourage them to stay committed to their organizations.

Especially with the looming economic downturn worldwide, employers in the Philippines are encouraged to continue sustaining employee engagement to help the business weather the tougher environment ahead," a Watson Wyatt statement said, citing survey results.

While retaining employees committed to company goals and focused on fulfilling these is crucial, its survey also shows a strong link between "engaged employees" – or those who uphold company goals and contribute towards attaining these – and key business metrics such as productivity and turnover.

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