From Port to Productivity: The Human Side of the Shipping Industry in the Philippines
12 November 2025
When one hears of the “shipping industry”, three things come to mind: logistics, ports, and ships. Yet beyond these lies a complex ecosystem powered by people such as dockworkers, seafarers, logistics coordinators, and engineers whose skills and synergy with technological advancements shape this rich industry.
As global trade, e-commerce, and connectivity continue to expand, the challenge is not only operational efficiency, but also sustained productivity. And this is unlocked by empowering and motivating employees through consistent, timely support and recognition.
The International Labour Organization dubbed the Philippines as the world’s largest supplier of seafarers amounting to 25% of the total global seafaring workforce. In fact, recent data has shown that ocean-based industries in the Philippines employed about 2.39 million Filipinos in 2024 or about 4.9% of the country’s total workforce.
With these numbers, how does the Philippines remain to stay on top of the seafaring industry?
For one, the Philippine workforce continues to stand out in Southeast Asia ranking highest in employee engagement with a 38% engagement rate, according to a 2025 Gallup survey.
One of our clients has seen the impact firsthand experiencing a 467% increase in employee retention after implementing a year-round rewards program. This underscores the significant impact of recognition on the engagement of Filipino workers.
In sectors like the shipping industry, where employees face long hours, physically demanding tasks, and high stress, simple but well-defined employee experience initiatives can make all the difference. This extends beyond employee satisfaction to overall business performance.
If you’re looking to create a culture where employees thrive, it’s time to explore tailored engagement and rewards programs.
Let us help you turn recognition into measurable results, ensuring your teams are motivated, loyal, and ready to drive your business forward.
This blog was written by Kaycee Gulmatico, Territory Sales Manager, South Luzon. Connect with Kaycee on LinkedIn to learn how you can create engagement programs that drive productivity and loyalty in your workforce.
