What makes a workplace truly happy?

By Mhicole A. Moral, Special Features and Content Writer

A happy workplace has more than perks, benefits, or modern offices. It is a place where employees arrived with purpose and left feeling fulfilled. Across industries and office layout, the principle was the same: people thrived when they felt a genuine connection to their work and their colleagues.

BusinessWorld, in partnership with WorkL, recognized organizations that upheld a happy workplace through the Best Places to Work 2025 awards last Dec. 2. Winners came from various industries, each showing different ways of supporting employee satisfaction.

Asian Hospital and Medical Center

Asian Hospital and Medical Center described happiness as something rooted in steady dedication. The hospital said employees showed malasakit (roughly translated as a combination of concern, care, compassion, and empathy) for patients, doctors and colleagues, and staff members took pride in being identified as part of the Asian Hospital family.

“A happy workplace is a workplace that drives performance. Our employees take pride in being known and identified as part of the Asian Hospital family,” the hospital told BusinessWorld.

Workers supported one another, and that support showed in patient care and in how they met organizational goals. Pride in work and respect across departments also helped build an atmosphere in Asian Hospital and Medical Center.

Asticom Holding Co., Inc.

Asticom Holding Co. Inc. defined happiness at work as something built through practice, not perks. The company said the workplace felt productive when people could share ideas, speak up and have their efforts recognized.

“A happy workplace is more than perks — it’s a culture where people feel energized, empowered, and inspired to bring their whole selves to work every day. It’s a place where collaboration, trust, and genuine care are part of every interaction, where ideas flow freely, and innovation is not only encouraged but celebrated,” the company explained.

Asticom also said employees felt more engaged when they saw how their tasks connected to larger outcomes. The company cited work linked to service improvements, community projects and internal innovations. That connection, they said, gave staff a reason to invest in their projects.

“What makes Asticom truly unique is that happiness and purpose go hand in hand. Our people are driven not just by the work they do, but by the knowledge that their efforts create meaningful outcomes, whether through innovative projects, exceptional service, or community initiatives,” they added.

Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies, Inc.

At Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies, Inc., employees said happiness grew when workers felt free to express ideas without fear. Staff members described an atmosphere where people at any level could speak during meetings and raise concerns openly.

They said a workplace became happier when people were not expected to push themselves without pause. Setting boundaries, taking breaks and planning workloads helped them stay healthy.

“Measuring happiness at work is challenging, but it includes psychological safety, recognition for achievements, fair treatment that will contribute to a positive and productive work environment,” the company said. “While not the only factor, fair pay, flexible hours, and good benefits are fundamental to job satisfaction and employee well-being.”

Cebu Air, Inc.

For Cebu Air, Inc. (CEB), employees worked with more energy when they knew their efforts mattered. The company said the atmosphere inside its offices showed that.

“A happy workplace is one where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to do their best work. It’s about creating an environment where people are excited to contribute and proud of what they do. At CEB, we see this in the way our employees connect with each other and go the extra mile to make customers’ journeys better,” they added.

Damosa Land, Inc.

Damosa Land, Inc. said its teams responded well when the office operated on shared respect and open communication. A positive environment began when people could speak without hesitation and knew their ideas would be treated fairly.

“A happy workplace is one where collective growth, trust, and respect come together. It’s a space where people can express their talents without hesitation, where ideas and voices are genuinely heard, and where mutual respect is shared,” the company said.

The company added that a workplace supporting personal development eventually led to better company output. They described the effect as a cycle benefiting everyone.

“[A happy workplace] is a place that encourages everyone to pursue his or her passion, nurture hobbies, and grow not just as a professional, but as a person. When this culture exists, employees thrive. They bring their best, most creative, and most inspired selves to work every day. And when people thrive, the company thrives—creating a cycle of growth, fulfillment, and shared success,” Damosa Land explained.

DDB Group Philippines

A happy workplace is one where they can bring their full selves, do meaningful work, grow at their own pace, and feel part of a community that values them, DDB Group Philippines shared.

“Within DDB, we see this in our open, collaborative spaces; our quiet zones for deep work; our flexible work arrangements; our inclusive facilities; and our culture of laughter, creativity, and shared purpose,” the company explained. “We see it in teams supporting one another, in leaders listening with empathy, and in the everyday interactions that show genuine care.”

eBiZolution, Inc.

A happy workplace, for eBiZolution, Inc. noted, is where ideas are welcomed, well-being is prioritized, and individuals are encouraged to grow.

“Within our offices, we see this in the natural interactions among colleagues — the camaraderie, the willingness to help one another, the open conversations, and the genuine celebration of each other’s milestones. It’s a workplace built on trust, warmth, and shared purpose, and that is what makes it a truly happy place to work.”

Federal Land, Inc.

Federal Land, Inc. said the foundation of a happy workplace started with trust. The company described it as a daily practice shaped by openness and respect.

“There is no such thing as a perfect organization. A truly happy workplace is one where employees experience both highs and lows, because challenges and triumphs shape growth, resilience, and fulfillment, making work more meaningful,” they added.

The group explained that workers saw fairness not as a slogan but as an expectation for decision-making, growth, and discipline.

“A happy workplace is defined by trust, fairness, and genuine connection. It’s a place where people feel safe, heard, and given opportunities to grow, factors that truly sustain engagement and create an environment where employees can thrive,” Federal Land said.

Filinvest Alabang, Inc.

For Filinvest Alabang, Inc., a happy workplace nurtures employees who feel celebrated, included, and inspired; espouses a culture that encourages curiosity and creative problem-solving; and allows for experiences that foster connection and community, bringing people together through interactive events and team gatherings.

“Happiness at Filinvest Alabang, Inc. is visible in the energy and camaraderie among our employees,” the company explained. “Our workplace is a safe space where contributions are valued and daily exchanges feel meaningful. This approach allows employees to focus on their work with enthusiasm while playing an integral role in a cohesive and dynamic organization.”

Filipino Homes

Filipino Homes described an environment similar to a close-knit community. A happy workplace encouraged people to speak up, ask questions, and help one another.

“A happy workplace means treating our employees as true partners in building the future. It’s about showing genuine care, providing them with security for their future, and ensuring they feel supported every step of the way. Within our offices, this translates into a family-like atmosphere where people know they are valued, respected, and encouraged,” the company shared.

Filipino Homes added that workplace happiness grew when people trusted that their concerns were heard and said it paid attention to what employees needed to succeed.

LSERV Corp.

At LSERV Corp., employees felt most satisfied when they knew why their work mattered. According to them, workers responded well when they understood their duties and saw how their tasks linked to larger goals.

The company cited structured processes, approachable managers and professional interactions as factors that helped employees work without unnecessary setbacks.

“A happy workplace, for us, is one where people feel that their work makes sense, that they are supported in doing it well, and that they can grow from it,” the company explained. “At the heart of this is our belief that talent is human infrastructure — and that people thrive when their work is aligned with a clear purpose, when they have access to the tools and support they need, and when they can see a path for their own ascent.”

“Our people see the real world impact of what they do — supporting airports, banks, utilities, government services, and some of the most essential operations in the country,” LSERV continued. “When employees feel aligned with a shared mission, supported in the work they do, and empowered to keep moving forward, that is what a happy workplace looks like for us.”

Makati Medical Center

Makati Medical Center described a work setting built on trust and open communication. The company said workers stayed engaged when they felt valued and connected to their daily tasks.

“A happy workplace is one where people feel valued, respected, and genuinely connected to what they do. It is one built on trust, open communication, and a shared sense of purpose — all of which create positive experiences that manifest in the way we serve patients and communities where we are a part of,” the company noted.

MUFG Bank Ltd. — Manila Branch

For MUFG Bank Ltd. — Manila Branch, happiness at work came from respect, belonging and being heard. The company said a happy workplace allowed employees to give their best without feeling ignored.

“In a happy workplace, employees can do their best work without feeling overlooked. In our office, this is evident in open communication, recognition of contributions, and activities organized by our Manila Recreation Committee, which help build meaningful connections,” they explained.

Ovialand, Inc.

Ovialand, Inc. said a happy workplace grew from a culture that listened. The company cited open communication as a starting point and said employees responded when their ideas were heard and their concerns were taken seriously.

“At Ovialand, this means fostering open communication, collaboration, and recognition, while providing opportunities for growth and meaningful contributions. We see happiness when our team celebrates wins together, shares insights, and supports one another in overcoming challenges,” the company added.

PNB Holdings Corp.

Similarly, PNB Holdings Corp. linked workplace satisfaction to respect and steady support. The company said its goal was to help employees focus on meaningful work without added stress.

“[A happy workplace] means creating an environment where employees can focus on doing great work without unnecessary stress. They have the security and resources they need, so they can come to work energized, motivated, and free to give their best every day,” they stated.

Reyes Tacandong & Co.

Reyes Tacandong & Co. described a happy workplace as one where people felt they belonged and saw their growth as part of the organization’s direction. The company said its goal was to give employees clear expectations and steady support.

“It’s not a place without pressure, it’s a place where pressure is balanced by clarity, support, and shared purpose,” the company explained.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. said a workplace becomes a positive space when the organization built a culture that valued inclusion, open dialogue and shared effort. The bank described a happy workplace as “a culture that intentionally fosters inclusivity, innovation and collaboration.”

“[A happy workplace] is a workplace which gives equal opportunity and fair beginning across all demographics. It is an environment where every employee is valued, supported, and fully empowered to succeed.

The bank highlighted development programs as another pillar. Under its “One RCBC” banner, the institution offered continuous learning tracks designed to help workers refine skills or explore new ones.

Scholastic Philippines, Inc.

For Scholastic Philippines, Inc., workplace happiness began with the atmosphere employees experienced daily.

“A happy workplace is one where employees can laugh wholeheartedly — even in the face of deadlines. It’s a place where they feel seen, supported, and unafraid to engage with leaders. They work not out of fear, but because they genuinely enjoy what they do and feel proud to be part of the team.

SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.

SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. describes a happy workplace as one that treats its employees as partners in daily operations. Morale rises when workers know that their effort and skills matter.

“A happy workplace nurtures employees who are happy, and secure in themselves, who know their value and that they matter to the organization. In our industry, we believe that happy employees create happy guests. When our employees are thriving, it is reflected in the way they work, which translates into a positive experience for stakeholders,” they shared.

The company also said a strong work culture encourages employees to give their full effort because they want to, not because they feel obligated. Leaders describe this as a sign of genuine engagement.

SMX Convention Center

SMX Convention Center, the overall winner of BusinessWorld’s Best Places to Work this year, said a positive workplace starts with people who guide teams with sincerity and fairness. They noted that employees often describe leaders as approachable and steady in fast-moving situations.

“A happy workplace is one where people feel supported, respected, and part of a community that cares. When I read how employees describe their experience at SMX, I see those qualities reflected,” they said.

SMX said the events industry demands quick decision-making. Even with that pace, teams show patience with one another and share tasks to meet deadlines without leaving colleagues behind.

“Even in a fast-paced environment like events, the way our teams support one another shows that sense of “we are in this together.” For me, that is what a genuinely happy workplace looks like, and it is something we are proud to see in SMX,” the company added.

Villaruz, Villaruz & Co.

Villaruz, Villaruz & Co. described a workplace where employees felt valued from the moment they walked in. The company said the atmosphere inside its offices reflected how staff members spoke with one another, handled daily tasks, and responded when someone on the team needed help.

“Happiness is reflected in the collaboration we witness daily, the open communication between teams, the willingness to help one another, and the pride our people take in their work. It is seen in the small moments — shared successes, professional growth, and genuine connections — that form the foundation of our culture,” the company stressed.

WeFund Lending Corp.

Lastly, WeFund Lending Corp., the operator of lending platform JuanHand, describes a happy workplace as one where integrity guides decisions, competence builds confidence, enthusiasm sparks creativity, dependability strengthens trust, and teamwork allows everyone to feel included.

“At JuanHand, we see this every day. We see it in the collaboration between departments, in open conversations, in the energy of our teams, and in the genuine care people show for each other,” the company shared.”

“A happy workplace is built on people, and our people are what make JuanHand truly special.”

Common threads

In practice, happiness is visible in small daily moments, such as colleagues helping one another and sharing a commitment to doing meaningful work. For the companies recognized this year as the “Best Places To Work” in the Philippines, such moments defined the workplace experience more than any benefit or policy.

Despite differences in industry and function, respect and shared purpose appeared consistently as drivers of employee satisfaction. These examples highlighted that a happy workplace was not a static goal but a continuous process of listening to and empowering employees.

Learn more about the BusinessWorld Best Places to Work 2025 results and explore the 2026 cycle at https://www.bworldonline.com/bwbestplacestowork/.