A Conversation on HR Best Practices: Experiences Across Generations
The recent General Membership Meeting of the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) brought together HR professionals across generations for a powerful session that combined self-reflection, collective wisdom, and practical insights. With the theme “A Conversation on HR Best Practices: Experiences Across Generations,” the event opened with a meaningful HR Kwentuhan before transitioning into a dynamic multigenerational panel discussion.
HR Kwentuhan: Learning Through Stories
The session kicked off with a guided conversation where participants responded to four personal and reflective questions. This segment underscored the richness of lived experiences and how mentoring, early career challenges, and workplace dynamics shaped each leader’s journey.
Mentoring Moments That Mattered
Participants shared how they were shaped by formative learning experiences: attending Train-the-Trainer programs, enrolling in law school, being immersed in coaching programs, and joining leadership retreats. Many credited PMAP itself—especially its past presidents and mentors—for playing a critical role in their development.
First Jobs and Leadership Memories
Recollections of first jobs revealed a wide range of leadership styles. Some recalled assertive or domineering environments, while others spoke of empowering, family-like cultures that encouraged decision-making and growth. These stories highlighted how early exposure to workplace culture leaves lasting impressions.
Generational Misunderstandings in the Workplace
Common themes emerged: differences in communication styles, values, technology use, and leadership expectations. Baby Boomers and Gen Xers preferred face-to-face discussions and authoritative leadership, while Millennials and Gen Z leaned toward digital tools and collaborative leadership. The path forward, many agreed, lies in open communication, mentorship, and respect for diverse working styles.
One Change to Improve Cross-Generational Collaboration
From rethinking office design to increasing diversity in hiring, to pushing for mindset shifts that encourage empathy and inclusion—participants proposed actionable ways to foster more collaborative, inclusive workplaces. A clear theme emerged: culture must evolve with people, not just processes.
The Panel: Insights Across Generations
Moderated by Gerry Plana, former PMAP President, the panel featured HR leaders from three generations:
- Nic Lim – Senior Adviser and Independent Director, JG Summit Holdings
- Michelle Anglie Guce – CHRO, Malayan Insurance Co.
- Ivy Paraluman de Borja – VP for HR, Real Page Philippines
Their discussion revealed the evolution of HR: from labor relations and industrial peace, to structure building and digital enablement, and now toward human-centered leadership and AI-readiness.
Nic Lim, representing the Baby Boomer era, reflected on HR’s foundational focus on labor negotiations, union management, and ideological clashes. He stressed that while human-centric leadership has always been part of HR, its expression has shifted—from order and structure to empathy and purpose. “Behind every business issue is a people issue,” he said.
Michelle Guce, a Gen X leader, emphasized competency-building, enablement, and structured culture-building. She shared how values passed down by mentors must be preserved—even as organizations shift toward digital operations. “Leadership is about people—not just management,” she noted.
Ivy de Borja, representing the Millennial and Xennial cohorts, spoke about HR’s evolving role in a world of AI, sustainability, and deep personalization. She highlighted the need to understand people holistically—from their family contexts to their aspirations—to unlock performance and foster inclusion. “We need to understand the whole person—what drives them, what holds them back,” she shared.
Key Takeaways
- HR has always been human-centric—but the emphasis has evolved from structure and order to well-being and empathy.
- HR is now a strategic lever for growth, aligning people and performance with purpose.
- Generational diversity is a strength. Boomers offer wisdom, Gen X builds structure, and Millennials bring empathy and business alignment.
- Leadership today requires empathy, storytelling, and deep understanding of people.
- The CHRO plays a critical role in shaping culture, influencing the CEO, and aligning business and people strategy.
The PMAP General Membership Meeting was more than just an event—it was a cross-generational dialogue that reinforced HR’s vital role in shaping inclusive, adaptive, and purpose-driven organizations. It was a timely reminder that while tools and platforms evolve, the heart of HR remains human.
Build Stronger Teams Across Generations
The PMAP event shows how bridging generational gaps in HR leads to more inclusive, purpose-driven workplaces. If your organization is ready to elevate its leadership and people strategy, John Clements Consultants offers tailored HR solutions grounded in decades of experience.
Contact us today to start building a workforce that thrives across generations.
