Indonesia Ranked #1 for Happiest Workers in Asia-Pacific, Beating Singapore and Australia
Editorial Team – Kompas.com
KOMPAS.com – Indonesia has ranked
first as the country with the
happiest workers in the Asia-Pacific region.
This achievement is based on the latest exclusive report from the
Workplace Happiness Index, released by
Jobstreet by SEEK.
The report was compiled based on an online survey conducted by the research institution
Nature in
October–November 2025, involving around
1,000 respondents in Indonesia’s labor market, aged
18 to 64.
The results showed that
82% of respondents in Indonesia said they felt
fairly happy to very happy at work.
This figure far exceeded other countries in the region, such as
Hong Kong (47%),
Singapore (56%), and
Australia (57%).
In addition,
86% of Indonesian workers reported feeling appreciated in the workplace, while
75% said their work provides personal fulfillment or feels meaningful.
Jobstreet Survey: Supportive Colleagues Are the Main Driver of Workplace Happiness
Although a higher salary remains the main goal for
54% of workers, the report shows that the biggest drivers of workplace happiness actually come from
work-life balance and
a sense of purpose.
Specific factors contributing most to Indonesian workers’ happiness include:
- Relationships with colleagues or teams (77%)
- Workplace location (76%)
- Feeling that the job is meaningful (75%)
However, the report also highlights several challenges.
Citing Kompas.com on Tuesday (February 3, 2026),
44% of workers still experience stress, while
56% feel burdened by job demands.
Senior leadership was identified as the
third largest factor contributing to workplace unhappiness, reaching
64%.
The Acting Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK Indonesia,
Wisnu Dharmawan, explained that competitive salaries remain important for attracting candidates. However, long-term happiness is more likely to be achieved when employees feel their work is meaningful and when they have room to enjoy life outside of work.
“Company leaders play a crucial role in bridging this gap by building open communication and transparently recognizing each individual’s achievements,” he said, as quoted by Kontan on Tuesday (February 3, 2026).
Gen X and Millennials Are the Happiest at Work
The Workplace Happiness Index report also reveals that workplace happiness in Indonesia is not uniform, but varies based on life stage and location.
Based on the survey:
- Generation X is the most satisfied group, with 85% workplace happiness
- Millennials follow closely at 84%
For these older generations, happiness is largely driven by strong team relationships and work rhythms they have already mastered.
In contrast,
Generation Z, which is just beginning their careers, recorded the lowest happiness level at
76%.
They tend to feel less appreciated and struggle to connect daily tasks with a larger purpose—creating a challenge for companies to better engage younger talent.
Workplace happiness also varies across industries and geographic regions.
The
technology sector recorded the highest happiness level at
93%, driven by pride in the workplace and clarity of purpose.
Jabodetabek Has the Happiest Workers
In terms of region,
Jabodetabek (Greater Jakarta) recorded the happiest workers, with a happiness level of
87%.
This contrasts with western Indonesia, which recorded the lowest level at
75%.
These differences are influenced by income factors and better access to workplace facilities in the capital region.
AI Anxiety and Burnout Remain Major Concerns
Despite the high happiness ranking, technological developments—especially the rise of
Artificial Intelligence (AI)—remain a source of concern.
Around
42% of workers feel that AI could threaten their job security, particularly in the technology sector.
Additionally,
43% of workers reported experiencing mental exhaustion or burnout.
Even more notably,
40% of workers who said they are happy still admitted to experiencing burnout.
Wisnu emphasized that Indonesia’s position as the happiest workforce in Asia-Pacific reflects strong optimism and a positive work culture. However, he warned companies not to become complacent.
“The 43% burnout figure and concerns over AI are alarms for employers to act more proactively. Sustainable happiness can only be achieved if business targets are balanced with employees’ mental well-being,” he said.
Through the report, Jobstreet by SEEK encourages companies to focus on three main strategies:
- Building a sense of purpose at every employee level
- Supporting personal-life boundaries through flexibility
- Listening to different needs across generations
Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific countries with the highest workplace happiness index after Indonesia are:
- Philippines (77%)
- Malaysia (70%)
- Thailand (67%)
- New Zealand (65%)
Key Points / Important Takeaways
Indonesia ranks #1 for happiest workers in Asia-Pacific (82% happy).
Indonesia outperforms Hong Kong (47%), Singapore (56%), and Australia (57%).
86% feel appreciated at work; 75% find their work meaningful.
The strongest happiness factor is supportive colleagues (77%).
Salary is still the top desire for 54%, but work-life balance and purpose matter more for happiness.
Stress remains significant: 44% stressed, 56% burdened by workload.
Senior leadership is a major unhappiness factor (64%).
Gen X (85%) and Millennials (84%) are happiest; Gen Z lowest (76%).
Tech sector has the highest happiness rate (93%).
Jabodetabek leads regionally with 87% workplace happiness.
AI is a job-security concern for 42% of workers.
Burnout affects 43% of workers, including many who still claim to be happy.
Hasil survei menunjukkan, sebanyak 82 persen responden di Indonesia mengaku merasa cukup bahagia hingga sangat bahagia di tempat kerja.
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Willingness to Defend the Country
Total: 74.9% willing or very willing
Those Not Willing
Concern Over Foreign Threats
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