Economic Downturn Leads To Part-Time Work In The Philippines

The ongoing economic downturn has prompted changes in spending behavior, attitudes, and actions for 84% of Filipinos engaged in part-time employment, according to Agile Data Solutions, Inc., a startup market research firm.

Around 78% of men and 76% of women with part-time jobs expressed a need to save their income. I Photo: Philippine Information Agency

The survey, conducted through the Hustle PH app from July to September 2023, involved 1,000 Filipino participants aged 18 and above.

The study revealed that 60% of Filipinos are engaged in some form of part-time work, with younger Filipinos being the most active in this regard.

Analyzing the average earnings of part-time workers across different regions, the study found that individuals are reportedly earning as much as P10,000 per month in the top three areas: Calabarzon at 20%, the National Capital Region at 18%, and Central Luzon at 11%.

Around 78% of men and 76% of women with part-time jobs expressed a need to save their income. This trend is more pronounced among Generation Z (Gen Z) and Millennials, who are refraining from purchasing non-essential products.

The study also noted that when it comes to juggling multiple part-time jobs, women are more likely to have a single part-time job, while men tend to have two or more part-time positions.

Jason Gaguan, Chairman and CEO of Agile Data Solutions, commented, "We see an increasing number of Filipinos, particularly the younger generation, seeking part-time employment as a means to supplement their income and achieve financial stability. This trend is further driven by the prevailing economic challenges and inflation, which reached 6.1% in September."

The study also revealed a shift in values and priorities among different generations. Financial independence is a top priority for 83% of Gen Z individuals (aged 18-25), compared to just 76% of older generations (aged 41-60).

Conversely, older generations prioritize flexibility more, with 47% emphasizing its importance, while only 25% of Gen Z respondents share this sentiment. This illustrates a willingness among Filipinos to trade time for financial stability in their younger years.

As individuals age, their focus tends to shift toward the importance of time and achieving a better work-life balance.

Regardless of gender, there is a strong consensus that communication skills are crucial for getting hired. A substantial 84% of women and 81% of men emphasize the value of these skills for part-time employment, highlighting the importance of strong interpersonal abilities, even in part-time roles.

Call center roles top the list of part-time positions that Filipino workers seek, closely followed by virtual assistant roles, service crew positions, information technology roles, and sales positions, respectively.

Working from home emerges as the preferred working arrangement for individuals of all ages, indicating a growing recognition of the value that remote setups bring.

"Filipinos today aren't just adapting to the digital age – they're truly making the most of it. With all the new technology and online platforms available, many are finding jobs that fit their preferences and skills. It's a testament to the adaptability and spirit of the modern Filipino workforce," Gaguan added.

Agile Data Solutions, through its innovative data-gathering platform, Hustle PH, remains committed to exploring and analyzing cultural trends to assist businesses and individuals in making informed decisions.

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