Indonesia’s Workplace Happiness: A Complex Picture
A recent survey has revealed that 82 per cent of Indonesian workers report feeling somewhat or extremely happy at work, marking them as the happiest in the Asia-Pacific region. This finding has sparked discussions about the underlying factors contributing to their positive attitudes compared to their regional counterparts.
The survey, conducted by Jobstreet by SEEK, involved 1,000 Indonesian workers aged 18 to 64 between October and November 2025. The results show a significant contrast with other markets, such as Australia (57 per cent), Singapore (56 per cent), and Hong Kong (47 per cent). These lower percentages are attributed to more competitive corporate cultures and higher living costs in these regions.
Experts suggest that the high levels of workplace happiness in Indonesia may be due to a combination of cultural attitudes, strong social ties, and a tendency to express contentment despite economic pressures. However, the survey also highlights concerns about burnout, job insecurity, and limited opportunities for those who leave the workforce.
Key Factors Behind Indonesian Workplace Happiness
Tulus Winarsunu, a professor of industrial and organisational psychology at Malang’s Muhammadiyah University, points to Indonesia’s communal society as a key factor behind the results. He explains that Indonesians are more collective and interdependent, often finding happiness through colleagues and teamwork. This is reflected in the top three reasons for workplace happiness among Indonesians: colleagues, work location, and work purpose.
Dewi Fauna, a former school principal in Medan, agrees with this assessment. She notes that supportive colleagues played a crucial role in her happiness during her time at work. However, she also experienced stress when dealing with school owners and parent complaints, highlighting the challenges faced by workers in balancing job satisfaction with external pressures.
Rising Concerns About Burnout
Despite the high levels of happiness, the survey also reveals that 43 per cent of Indonesian respondents have experienced burnout at work. This is particularly concerning, as 40 per cent of those who reported feeling happy also indicated experiencing mental strain. The report suggests that heavy workloads and the pressure to work long hours as a sign of dedication may contribute to this issue.
Irna Minauli, a psychologist in Medan, notes that burnout is becoming increasingly common among Indonesian workers. She explains that many workers face a difficult dilemma: continuing to work leads to burnout, while quitting could result in financial instability. With 70 per cent of Indonesian respondents citing job security as a driver of workplace happiness, the fear of unemployment remains a significant concern.
Challenges in the Job Market
Rudi Susanto, a resident of Jakarta, shares his experience of being laid off at the age of 50. Despite enjoying his previous job, he was suddenly made redundant without explanation. Since then, he has struggled to find new employment, attributing this difficulty to his age. In Indonesia, the retirement age is 59, with a cap at 65 under consideration. This contrasts with countries like Singapore, where the retirement age is set to increase gradually over the coming years.
Measuring Happiness: Cultural and Social Considerations
Labour activist Jumisih emphasizes the importance of considering cultural and social factors when evaluating workplace happiness. She points out that Indonesia’s culture of acceptance may influence how happiness is measured, with psychological, economic, and educational factors playing a role. Other reports, such as the Global Flourishing Study (GFS) for 2025/2026, have also ranked Indonesia as the world’s happiest nation.
Syamsul Arifin, a professor of the sociology of religion at Muhammadiyah University, highlights the role of religion in generating happiness among Indonesians. He explains that religious beliefs, particularly in Islamic societies, can serve as a coping mechanism, providing a sense of calm and happiness even in challenging circumstances.
