Philippines Leads Southeast Asia in Workplace Diversity and Inclusion

Leading online job portal Jobstreet by SEEK reveals that the Philippines leads Southeast Asia in adopting and promoting workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

According to their latest Hiring, Compensation & Benefits Report 2025, 63% of Filipino companies have already adopted DEI initiatives, followed by Thailand at 58%, Indonesia at 56%, Singapore at 42%, and Malaysia at 40%.

Filipino companies are actively investing in inclusive practices, with 62% implementing anti-discrimination and harassment policies, while 59% said they are establishing employee resource groups. Additional efforts include unconscious bias training at 54%, regular DEI assessments at 44%, and mentorship programs for underrepresented groups at 46%.

The country also shows leadership in fair hiring, with over half of companies setting clear DEI goals and nearly 47% adopting blind resume screening. Notably, 77% now regularly update job descriptions to reduce bias and promote fairness and inclusivity.

Currently, approximately half of the companies in the region have adopted DEI initiatives, while 18% of businesses do not plan to implement any in the next 12 months. Encouragingly, 2% of businesses plan to introduce DEI initiatives soon, and 28% are considering doing so within the next year.

The report states that the Philippines and Thailand’s leadership in DEI adoption is likely driven by cultural factors and government policies protecting marginalised groups. Additionally, the Philippines also has national policies that support DEI, such as the Anti-Age Discrimination Act, reinforcing a legal framework for inclusive workplaces.

Jobstreet by SEEK is also committed to a future where every jobseeker finds opportunity in inclusive, equitable, and diverse workplaces. In 2024, the platform teamed up with the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce (PLCC) to launch the “Pride in Careers” campaign that provides free and discounted job postings for LGBTQ+-inclusive companies. This year, they partnered with the Filipina CEO Circle (FCC) offering enhanced leadership among women. Additionally, the platform has implemented the Fair Hiring Program that aims to prevent exploitation of workers across the region.

“As a platform that connects millions of Filipinos to meaningful work, we believe we have a responsibility to promote fairness and representation. Our goal is to ensure that jobseekers don’t just find jobs, but also find workplaces where they are valued, supported, and respected,” said Jobstreet by SEEK Head of Marketing Joey Yusingco.