Philippines scores poorly on work-life balance. Filipinos are not surprised

While at work, the 32-year-old Filipino balances her time between researching, writing and grading coursework, after which she heads to the university gym to exercise before heading home.

“My evenings are sacred. I don’t take home any work at all. All the work that I do is in the office,” Constantino said. In between work, she savours two-hour-long lunches followed by visits to a nearby library or local museums to view the free exhibits while juggling other commitments, such as part-time remote consultancy work.

Constantino, who is on study leave from her role as an assistant professor at the University of the Philippines to pursue a doctoral degree and work in New Zealand, said her balanced life in Auckland contrasted with how she lived and worked back home.

In Auckland, going to work for her is a breeze. “Work is a 15-minute walk. You don’t have to deal with traffic. There are multiple transport options. It’s a walkable city. You don’t feel rushed,” Constantino, who conducts research on early childhood education policy in New Zealand, said.