Filipino companies have emerged as the regional frontrunners in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, outperforming peers across Southeast Asia, according to a recent survey by Jobstreet by SEEK.
The 2025 Hiring, Compensation and Benefits Report revealed that 63 percent of firms in the Philippines have already implemented DEI strategies—marking the highest rate in the region. Thailand followed at 58 percent, while Indonesia posted 56 percent. Singapore and Malaysia trailed with 42 and 40 percent, respectively.
Among the Filipino companies surveyed, 62 percent said they have clear anti-discrimination and harassment policies, while 59 percent reported the existence of employee resource groups. Programs such as unconscious bias training (54 percent), DEI assessments (44 percent), and mentorship for underrepresented groups (46 percent) are also increasingly common.
The report also highlighted the Philippines’ leadership in fair recruitment practices. Nearly half of Filipino companies—47 percent—use blind resume screening, and 77 percent routinely revise job descriptions to eliminate bias and foster inclusivity.
Cultural values and policies like the Anti-Age Discrimination Act are seen as key drivers behind this progress, the report said. “In a country with a large geographic distribution and diverse cultures like the Philippines, it is important to place diversity, equity and inclusion at the heart of the workplace to foster an environment where every voice is heard,” it added.
The study, conducted between September and October 2024, covered more than 2,100 professionals across various industries including trade, logistics, tech, healthcare, marketing, and legal sectors.
