What makes a workplace truly happy?

A HAPPY WORKPLACE has more than perks, benefits, or modern offices.

- By Mhicole A. Moral Special Features and Content Writer

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.