GETTING feedback at work can be a mixed bag, with 23 percent of Filipino professionals saying their latest performance review made them feel less positive about their roles.
This was according to global talent solutions firm Robert Walters’ Salary Survey Guide Philippines, which found that while 43 percent of professionals felt more motivated after their latest review, another 34 percent said the process had no impact on their engagement.
‘Performance reviews are becoming increasingly important management moments, particularly as organizations look to balance worker needs while managing tight budgets,’ Robert Walters Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Powell said.
‘Employees want to know how their skills are valued, where they can progress, and whether the business is investing in their long-term development,’ he added.
Salary reviews also remain an important concern among Filipino professionals. More than half, or 53 percent, expect to receive a salary review this year, while 35 percent said they were unlikely to receive one.
Another 10 percent were unsure, while only 2 percent had already received a salary review. However, compensation is not the only factor workers consider when assessing their jobs.
Excellent compensation and benefits ranked highest among the factors professionals value from an employer, cited by 73 percent of respondents. This was followed by flexible working conditions at 47 percent and job security and stability at 29 percent.
Career growth and advancement opportunities, flexibility in working hours and location, and a positive and inclusive company culture were also identified as key factors influencing professionals’ decisions to stay with their current employers.
Leadership style, likewise emerged as a factor in workplace engagement. A majority, or 56 percent, preferred transformational leaders who inspire and motivate change, while 34 percent favored a laissez-faire approach that gives employees greater autonomy.
Yet, despite the generally positive impact of performance reviews, more than 80 percent of Filipino professionals remain open to exploring new job opportunities, the survey found.
Robert Walters Southeast Asia Chief Executive Officer Kimberlyn Lu said the finding suggests that employers face a broader retention challenge even when employees have positive views of their current roles.
‘Even though performance reviews positively impact employee attitudes toward their current roles, our research reveals that over 80 percent of Filipino professionals remain open to exploring new opportunities,’ Lu said.
Lu said the figure reflects the competitiveness of the Philippine talent market, where professionals continue to assess opportunities beyond their current employment.
‘The fact that over 80 percent of professionals in the Philippines remain open to new opportunities highlights just how competitive today’s talent market has become,’ she said.
She added that employers need to maintain open and transparent communication with workers, particularly on career development and what they value from their organizations.
‘It’s no longer just about offering competitive salaries; it’s about driving a sense of purpose and creating an environment where employees feel genuinely valued,’ Lu said.
Meanwhile, Philippine Statistics Authority data released last week showed that underemployment rose to 6.11 million in June, up from 5.76 million a year earlier, while employment also increased to 50.66 million from 50.47 million in June 2025.