Worker disengagement seen eroding productivity
NEARLY NINE in 10 employers in the Philippines are reporting declining productivity tied to employee disengagement, according to global talent solutions firm Robert Walters.
In a statement on Thursday, the recruitment consultancy said 89% of hiring managers surveyed in the Philippines identified employee disengagement as a major factor affecting workplace productivity and team dynamics.
The phenomenon, known as “quiet cracking,” involves employees continuing to fulfil their responsibilities while internally feeling disengaged, demotivated, or emotionally strained.
According to the survey findings, released alongside the Robert Walters Talent Trends 2026 report, more than 38% of Filipino professionals said they experience quiet cracking “very often,” while nearly one in four said they encounter it occasionally.
Josua T. Mata, secretary-general of labor group Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa, told BusinessWorld that worker disengagement is often the result of accumulated frustration, burnout, and loss of hope rather than a sudden decline in motivation.
“Workers are not ‘quiet cracking’ because they suddenly lost motivation. Many are simply exhausted from low wages, insecure jobs, overwork, toxic workplace and the erosion of work-life balance,” Mr. Mata said via Viber.
“You cannot expect workers to remain fully engaged when they are constantly anxious about survival while being asked to do more with less,” he said.
Employers seeking long-term employee engagement should go beyond workplace wellness campaigns and address issues such as living wages, job security, manageable workloads, and respect for workers’ dignity and rights, he added.
Kimberlyn Lu, chief executive officer at Robert Walters Southeast Asia, said in the statement that disengagement often goes unnoticed because employees may still appear productive despite dealing with prolonged pressure and uncertainty.
“If left unaddressed, these issues can erode productivity, lower morale, and lead to higher turnover rates. Employers should be proactive in identifying early signs and fostering an environment where employees feel supported,” she said.
The study also found that 47% of Philippine employers are recognizing employee achievements to improve morale, while 42% are conducting regular feedback sessions to strengthen engagement within teams.
Robert Walters cited a 2025 Gallup report estimating that declining global employee engagement resulted in about $438 billion in lost productivity in 2024.
The company said workplace disengagement is evolving into what it described as an “engagement recession,” where reduced motivation spreads across teams and weakens collaboration, creativity, and workplace culture.
Among Filipino workers surveyed, 40% identified distracted behavior and lack of focus as the most common signs of disengagement, while 33% pointed to reduced collaboration and 20% cited low participation during meetings.
The report also examined factors affecting employee retentions, with 54% of respondents saying career growth opportunities were the main reason for staying with an employer.
Flexible work arrangements were cited by 32%, while 15% said inclusive workplace culture was their priority.
Meanwhile, 56% of professionals said they preferred transformational leadership styles that encourage change and innovation, while 34% favored leaders who provide greater autonomy in the workplace.
Robert Walters said companies may need to strengthen communication, career development programs, and workplace flexibility to prevent disengagement from affecting productivity and employee retention further. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking
