Employee Engagement in Southeast Asia: The 2025 Opportunity Gap
- James Robbins
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
Gallup’s latest report shows Southeast Asia’s engagement levels vary dramatically by country. Here’s how leaders in the region can close the gap and create thriving workplaces.
Signs of Disconnection in the World’s Growth Engine
Southeast Asia powers some of the world’s fastest-growing economies. But inside its offices? The energy isn’t always as electric. New Gallup data reveals that employee engagement across the region is uneven, with some countries struggling to crack 10% engaged workers.
A Tale of 11 Countries, 11 Engagement Stories
From Singapore’s relatively strong 29% engagement to Laos’s strikingly low 7%, Gallup’s country-by-country view of Southeast Asia paints a complex picture. Myanmar and Malaysia hover in the high teens, while Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam lag behind. It’s not just a data point – it’s a call to action.
Employee Engagement in Southeast Asia: Why This Matters for the Region's Future
Engagement isn’t a soft metric. It’s a lever for growth, productivity, and retention. Gallup estimates that globally, disengagement costs companies $8.8 trillion annually, and SEA isn’t immune. As competition for skilled talent increases, the real differentiator will be culture.
The Culture Gap Isn’t Just Local. It’s Leadership.
While local labor policies and infrastructure matter, engagement rises or falls with leadership. The data shows countries that invest in people-first management and feedback systems consistently outperform. In SEA, that means supporting middle managers, not just top-down campaigns.
Smarter Listening = Smarter Action
Static surveys aren’t enough. SEA organizations need continuous, culturally-sensitive feedback tools. Platforms like The Culture Contract offer real-time nudges, manager dashboards, and external benchmarking to help organizations move from insight to impact.
Building the Business Case for Culture in SEA
Singapore sets a regional benchmark at 29% engagement
Countries under 15% face high attrition and quiet quitting risk
Manager enablement and AI-powered listening tools close the feedback-action gap
Localizing culture metrics can boost adoption across diverse SEA contexts
What Leaders Can Do Today
Shift from pulse surveys to continuous listening
Use regional benchmarks to set country-specific targets
Train and support front-line managers with actionable insights
Embed culture improvement in strategic planning, not just HR
Conclusion: SEA's Culture Opportunity Is Now
The engagement gap in Southeast Asia isn’t just a challenge – it’s a strategic opening. With the right tools and leadership mindset, organizations across the region can move from disconnection to high-performance culture.
TL;DR
What is employee engagement in Southeast Asia?
Gallup reports a wide range, from 29% in Singapore to under 10% in countries like Laos and Cambodia.
Why is this a concern for SEA businesses?
Disengagement leads to productivity loss, turnover, and burnout. It can drag down regional growth.
What causes the low engagement rates?
Limited manager support, poor feedback loops, and outdated measurement tools.
What countries in SEA have the highest engagement?
Singapore, Myanmar, and Malaysia top the region in Gallup’s data.
What can improve engagement in this region?
AI-powered platforms, better manager coaching, and culturally-attuned feedback systems.
How can businesses act now?
Start with real-time listening, empower managers, and set localized culture KPIs.
What tool helps with this?
The Culture Contract provides culture dashboards, nudges, and SEA-specific benchmarking to close the engagement gap.
