Reynaldo C. Lugtu, Jr. l 29 February 2024 l Manila Bulletin
Leaders gathered at this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos to discuss the topic of “Rebuilding Trust”. Amid a multiplicity of pressing concerns, conversations focused on how the present global developments will affect work in the future.
The green shift and the rapid breakthroughs in digital technology, particularly generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), have brought about profound changes to the work environment. These advancements have expedited the shift from a job-centric economy to one that is skills-focused by drastically changing the landscape of positions and the requirements of enterprises. Business executives stressed that talent has taken center stage in C-Suite conversations and that in order for companies to remain competitive in a changing global environment, they must hire, train, and retain their personnel.
Apart from skill development, conversations on employment have focused on flexibility and inclusivity, especially when it comes to remote or hybrid work models. A thorough grasp of flexibility, however, goes beyond remote work arrangements and takes into account a variety of viewpoints, such as those of frontline and service employees.
Furthermore, presumptions regarding inclusivity—such as the idea that women are more vulnerable to remote work because of caring obligations—need to be thoroughly investigated to prevent the propagation of damaging biases. Business leaders have emphasized how comprehensive flexibility can help both men and women.
Encouraging people with disabilities to work in an inclusive atmosphere is another aspect of addressing inclusion. As demonstrated by the corporate executives who candidly discussed their experiences with disabilities, leaders are essential in promoting inclusion. This has sparked conversations about removing obstacles and confronting prejudices.
Furthermore, the quick development of GenAI has completely changed the workplace, posing a challenge to CEOs who must leverage AI’s potential while protecting their labor. Achieving this equilibrium is crucial for businesses to succeed as well as for guaranteeing long-term development and general societal well-being. Business executives emphasized the necessity for proactive preparation and continuous communication with employees, pointing out the danger of developing a “two-speed workforce” if people are ill-prepared to handle the GenAI shift.
Business executives also talked on how they need to balance technology with emotional intelligence and empathy, understanding that strong leadership is essential to navigating groups through change. Upskilling is desperately needed, as many of today’s leaders lack the necessary technical and soft abilities to handle these difficulties. In the end, AI should support human labor rather than substitute it, allowing people to reach their full potential at work.
In conclusion, the changing nature of the workforce emphasizes how important human skills are becoming, especially in leadership roles. Leaders who are sincerely committed in and cognizant of the needs of their teams are the only ones who can cultivate meaningful inclusiveness and people-centered policies.
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The views and comments herein are his own and not of the newspaper or of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX). Photo from Pinterest.
The author is the Founder and CEO of Hungry Workhorse, a digital, culture, and customer experience transformation consulting firm. He is a Fellow at the US-based Institute for Digital Transformation. He is the Chair of the Digital Transformation IT Governance Committee of FINEX Academy. He teaches strategic management and digital transformation in the MBA Program of De La Salle University. The author may be emailed at rey.lugtu@hungryworkhorse.com.