Indonesia Crowned Happiest Workforce in Asia-Pacific, But Burnout Concerns Rise

Indonesia has emerged as the region’s leader in workplace happiness, according to a recent report by Jobstreet by SEEK. The “Workplace Happiness Index” revealed that 82% of Indonesian workers reported feeling happy at work, surpassing countries like Hong Kong, Singapore, and Australia. However, the findings also highlight potential vulnerabilities, including burnout and job insecurity.

Indonesia’s Workplace Happiness: A Regional Outlier

The report, based on a survey of approximately 1,000 Indonesian workers conducted between October and November 2025 by the research institute Nature, positions Indonesia significantly ahead of its Asia-Pacific counterparts. Hong Kong recorded a happiness score of just 47%, while Singapore and Australia scored 56% and 57% respectively [ITBEAT]. The Philippines (77%) and Malaysia (70%) also showed strong results, but remained below Indonesia’s leading score [Jobstreet].

Beyond Salary: What Drives Indonesian Worker Happiness?

While competitive salaries are important for attracting talent, the report emphasizes that long-term happiness requires more than just financial compensation. Wisnu Dharmawan, Acting Managing Director for Indonesia at Jobstreet by SEEK, noted that employees need to feel their work is meaningful and achieve a healthy work-life balance [ITBEAT]. Interestingly, only 54% of Indonesian workers cited salary as their top priority.

Key factors contributing to workplace happiness in Indonesia include:

• Coworkers/Team Members: 77%
• Workplace Location: 76%
• Work Purpose/Meaning: 75%

Appreciation and Meaningful Work

A significant majority of Indonesian workers, 86%, reported feeling appreciated, and 75% felt their work was meaningful. This sense of purpose appears to be a crucial driver of happiness, particularly among those aged 18 to 64 [ITBEAT].

Underlying Concerns: Burnout and Job Security

Despite the high levels of reported happiness, the report also acknowledges potential challenges. Indonesia’s workforce is also vulnerable to burnout, job insecurity, and limited opportunities for career advancement. These underlying tensions suggest that sustaining high levels of workplace happiness will require ongoing attention to employee well-being and professional development.

Indonesia’s Rise as a Happy Workforce

Indonesia’s success in fostering a happy workforce is noteworthy, particularly given its economic context. The country’s communal culture and religious outlook may contribute to a stronger sense of solidarity and meaning in the workplace. However, addressing the emerging concerns around burnout and job security will be crucial to maintaining this positive trend.

In February 2026, Jobstreet by SEEK released the exclusive report revealing these interesting facts [Facebook].