GAIN Holds Masterclass on Hybrid Work Models

Highlights of Speakers’ Presentations from GAIN Masterclass 4 – Hybrid Work Models in Government, Academe, and Industry

True to its commitment to advance the Filipino talent, the most recent Masterclass of the Government Academe Industry Network (GAIN) centered on Hybrid Work Models as organizations of all sizes are adapting to a changing workforce post-pandemic. Attended by more than 200 participants, the online event held last May 27, 2022 featured an acclaimed roster of speakers who shared their perspectives and insights across industries. 

Mr. Jack Madrid, President of the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), shared industry trends in 2022 and beyond as they relate to digital, talent, and working models. Representing the Philippine IT-BPM industry that directly employs over 1.4M Filipinos, Mr. Madrid presented a riveting case for adopting the hybrid working model for the industry, looking at it from the employer, employee and customer points of view. With the ongoing global talent war for talented and skilled people, employers need to balance the twin challenges of hiring and retaining talent.

Quoting Albert Einstein, Atty. Alfie Suarez, Senior Vice President of OneAboitiz Group cautioned participants: "You can’t use an old map to explore a new world." Drawing on various research by Gartner, Mercer, Deloitte, and Bersin on paradigm shifts in leadership disruptions, Atty. Suarez outlined several key takeaways for employers who wish to retain talent in a post-covid remote work world, among which are flexibility, intentionality, shared purpose, and leadership edge. 

Sharing about stories, challenges, and solutions from the unique learning community of the 7 schools of the Southville Global Education Network (SGEN), Dr. Marie Vic Suarez discussed the most effective Blended Learning Frameworks for Basic Education and College. She discussed about SGEN’s 4 modes of learning to address the varied circumstances and needs of students: VOLT- Virtual Online Learning and Teaching, Hy-VOLT (VOLT + limited face to face), Extended Face to Face Classroom Learning (as permitted by the government), and the Special Programs (INNOVE and Flex) that make up SGEN's Blended Learning Frameworks. 

With Asia Pacific College as one of the pioneers in Hyflex Learning, APC President Dr. Tata Pastor-Medado presented a strong case about the Hyflex Education Model, where educational institutions should exist not just in a confined space but in an "alternative space" where teaching, learning, and working co-exist. Ms. Aileen Judan-Jiao, President of IBM Philippines, drove home the point by sharing the perspective of the industry, where everyone must be prepared for the "anywhere workplace." Today is no longer about degrees or competencies but skills, with digital skills being non-negotiable for early professional hires to assimilate and adapt to the work environment.

Concluding the session was Atty. Jon Zuniga, Head of Quisumbing Torres' Dispute Resolution Practice Group, and Co-Chairperson of the European Chamber of Commerce Human Capital Committee, who shared in detail legal considerations, regulations, and related labor advisories that should be part of policies, negotiations, and deliberations in different work arrangements in the post-pandemic world. 

Access the presentations of our topnotch speakers by clicking on this link: 
https://www.gain.org.ph/masterclass-4.html