Flexibility is a vital 'coping mechanism' in times of disruption
Philippines’ Department of Labor and Employment recently urged leaders to adopt flexitime work arrangements for employees amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Undersecretary Ana Dione added that the flexible work arrangements is a better alternative than the outright termination of the services of the employees or the total closure of the establishment.
“The labour department calls on employers to adopt flexible work arrangements as an alternative measure to save jobs,” said Dione.
“Instead of totally closing their businesses, we encourage them to adopt schemes such as reduced work days, rotation, and adjusted working hours.”
Flexible work arrangements is vital as a “coping mechanism” in times of economic difficulties and national emergencies.
The authorities acknowledged its benefits "in terms of reducing business costs and saving jobs while maintaining competitiveness and productivity in industries”.
READ MORE: Is all-remote the future of work?
In a past interview, Rachel Majito-Cacabelos, VP - HR at Teleperformance Philippines told HRD that it’s crucial for HR leaders to hold onto core values and “be the anchor through any changes that may happen”.
Among their many responsibilities, she believes leaders have to always “prepare our people…keep them informed”.
“HR leaders must be able to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing,” she said. “The ability to communicate clearly translates to the ability to manage conflict, negotiate, and motivate others to perform to expected levels and beyond.
“We do this by actively listening to people, to understand what they really need for them to perform at their best.”
She added that developing a strong culture of trust is key to successful HR leadership.
“With a high level of trust in the workplace, people understand that wherever the leader brings them, they can trust the leader to take care of them,” she said.
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