The 60th Annual PMAP (People Management Association of the Philippines) Conference, held on October 25-27, 2023, kicked off with exciting opening remarks from PMAP President Elizabeth Nasol. Her insights shed light on the evolving role of Human Resources (HR) and its significant impact within organizations.
Elizabeth emphasized the profound transformation of human resource management. It’s no longer just about hiring and payroll; it’s about becoming sophisticated and insightful, striving for continuous improvement, and contributing real value to our organizations. In today’s dynamic work environment, human resource management is at the forefront of change.
The Role of Human Resource Management Today
HR is not just about policies and paperwork anymore. It has become an advocate for employee well-being and a catalyst for innovation. In a world where both physical and mental well-being are paramount, HR plays a central role in fostering a culture of health and well-being while also driving creativity and fresh ideas.
The future of work is shaping up to be a relentless cycle of change. The world is in constant motion, and the workplace is no exception. While this nonstop transformation may seem daunting, we’re confident in our ability to manage it successfully. It demands adaptability, and we’re ready to embrace the challenge head-on.
Strategic Human Resource Management
Governor Gwen Garcia of Cebu, known for her strong advocacy of progressive policies, graced the event with her welcoming remarks. Her words not only set an optimistic tone for the conference but also underscored the importance of regional cooperation in addressing the changing landscape of HR and the broader workforce. Governor Gwen’s commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation in Cebu and beyond was evident in her address. This commitment aligns with the overarching theme of transformation and adaptation that the conference seeks to explore.
Governor Gwen Garcia’s welcoming remarks also showcased the incredible potential of Cebu as a region undergoing a remarkable transformation. Cebu is not just a thriving hub for HR and business activities; it’s also a vibrant destination for tourism. With its picturesque beaches, rich cultural heritage, and the warmth of its people, Cebu offers an unparalleled experience for visitors. The region’s evolution extends beyond its economic endeavors; it encompasses the very essence of what makes Cebu an enticing tourist destination. Attendees of the conference had the opportunity to explore the beautiful landscapes, indulge in local delicacies, and witness the seamless fusion of tradition and modernity that Cebu embodies. It’s a place where the past meets the future, making it a prime example of how regions can evolve while preserving their unique charm, both in the world of business and in the world of tourism.
The Evolution of Human Resource Management with AI
Jason Radisson of Movo took the stage for the first keynote of the day, discussing the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) on the workplace. AI and ML are predicted to become powerful tools for white-collar workers at larger companies. While it’s a positive development for many, there are concerns about the potential replacement of entry-level white-collar positions.
Jason went on to highlight the top use cases for AI and ML. These include workforce automation, scheduling, load balancing, reducing time wastage, and automating task management. In the HR domain, these technologies are essential for automating hiring, credential validation, onboarding, and time-off management.
He also stressed a crucial point: you can’t improve what you don’t measure. The significant productivity gains from technology have been realized in the last 30 years, primarily with the introduction of personal computers into the workforce.
When it comes to innovation, it’s middle-income countries that often lead the way. They’re more agile in adopting mobile innovation and are better positioned to reduce friction. Furthermore, cultural adaptation is a key factor. In Silicon Valley, every manual process gets automated once it’s repeated, and the new process often looks nothing like the one it replaces.
The global best practice, as highlighted by Jason, is to prioritize people-first transformation. This involves gap analysis, green team leadership, and scope selection, making for a smoother transition to new ways of working.
People-First Approach is Good for Business
The plenary session titled “Chief Spiritual Officer: From CHRO to CSO,” led by Jun Cabochan, General Manager of Pandayan Bookshop, delved into the vision companies have for their employees. The message was clear: taking care of employees isn’t just charity; it’s good for business. Employees who are worry-free, productive, and focused contribute significantly to the bottom line, underlining the shift from “ME” to “WE.”
Wayne Blair’s Insights: Transformative Lessons for HR Professionals
After lunch, the conference featured a plenary session with Wayne Blair, Ombudsman of the Asian Development Bank, offering attendees insights into the challenges and opportunities of the evolving work landscape. Blair shared some eye-opening insights that hit close to home for HR professionals seeking to foster a more harmonious workplace. His journey started by taking us on a historical ride back to 18th-century Sweden, where ombudsmen, or ombudspersons, were originally appointed to dig into government officials’ actions on behalf of citizens. This shared mission – resolving conflicts and creating a peaceful workplace – is something HR professionals are all too familiar with.
Blair’s speech offered a fresh perspective on the different roles of ombudsmen, providing a valuable lesson for HR pros. He pointed out the unique character of a classical ombudsman in the Philippines, empowered by legislation and performing transparent investigations. This drives home the importance of having clear and accountable conflict resolution processes, a crucial aspect that HR can weave into their own organizational fabric.
Now, when we turn to the Asian Development Bank, where Blair serves, the ombudsman plays a whole different game. This international financial institution backs projects like food security and climate change initiatives, emphasizing the need for HR professionals to grasp the specific goals and dynamics of their own organizations. Blair also highlighted the professional standards that govern the ombudsman’s role, underlining the provision of a confidential space for individuals to voice their concerns anonymously. This rings a bell with HR professionals, as it’s their duty to create secure channels for employees to share their worries without worrying about any backlash.
What really caught our attention was Blair’s golden rule: the obligation of everyone in the organization to report concerns. That’s like a beacon for HR professionals to light up their way. It emphasizes the mission of establishing open lines of communication and reporting within the workplace, making sure no concerns are left unattended.
Valuable Insights at the 60th PMAP Conference
The day ended with the showcase of PMAP Exemplars for Employer of the Year and People Program of the Year. The finalists all showcased their programs and insights on people management. Themes from the nominees touched on transformative, people-centered programs for HR as well as the power of data science and AI in revolutionizing people management in the new normal. People Management Program Exemplars included: Chinabank, Murata, and RCBC; meanwhile, People Managers of the Year exemplars were Nerissa Berba, CHRO of Security Bank, and Mr. Felix Lopez of Cebu Pacific.
Day 1 of the 60th Annual PMAP Conference provided valuable insights into the transformation of HR, the integration of AI/ML, and the essential shift toward a people-first approach in the modern workplace. With these takeaways, attendees are well-prepared to tackle the dynamic challenges of the evolving workforce.
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