Filipino Gen Zs prefer independent work, PhilCare study finds

A recent study commissioned by health maintenance organization (HMO) PhilCare reveals that Filipino Gen Zs (born between 1997 and 2012), prefer working independently rather than in a team setting. 

According to the “PhilCare Wellness Index: An Updated ABC of Pinoy Gen X, Y, and Z,” 55 percent of Filipino Gen Z employees prefer to work alone.

This trend is not exclusive to Gen Z. The study also found that 50 percent of Generation X (born from 1965 to 1981) and Millennials (born from 1981 to 1995) share a comparable preference towards independent work. 

Gen Z prefers working alone because it gives them the opportunity to show off their skills and have greater flexibility and control over their job, according to Joseph Augustin “Jaeger” Tanco, President and CEO of PhilCare.

Photo Courtesy: Unsplash.com

The study also found that 48 percent of Gen Z want to work in the Philippines, while 54 percent of older generations prefer to stay and work in the country.

Tanco said that Gen X and Millennials, like Gen Z, want to work abroad to experience new culture and personal growth.

“After all, an international experience can boost one’s competitiveness and marketability in the global job market,” he added.

He mentioned that the survey results will help the HMO create solutions that meet the needs of Filipino workers of all ages.

In an interview with RepublicAsia, 21-year-old college student Jeanelle Supan shared that she prefers working independently over group work because it allows her to focus deeply, showcase her skills, and follow her own work direction.

“Personally, feeling ko mas nakakapag-focus ako pag mag-isa lang ako. Aside from the quiet environment, mas nasusundan ko rin yung sarili kong direction sa work,” she said.

Meanwhile, Trixia Magistrado, also a 22-year old college student, shares the same sentiment. 

“Mas controlled ko kasi yung tasks and I also observed na mas efficient ako kapag working alone,” she mentioned.

This shows that people in the Philippines prefer to work alone nowadays, especially younger generations like Gen Z.

How about you? Do you prefer to work alone or in a group setting?

With reports from Ainah Sitchon