The power of ‘AI-volution’ for the Philippines workforce 2.0

The year 2023 marked a turning point as AI began to reshape the global workplace. While organisations grappled with AI's potential, a cautious approach led to layoffs, hindering institutional knowledge, shows Mercer | Mettl, 2024 Global Talent Acquisition Trends report. However, 70% of companies found rehiring top talent critical, highlighting the need for a strategic shift.

Mercer | Mettl predicts generative AI proficiency as the most sought-after skill in 2024. To thrive in this AI-driven future, a "workforce 2.0" is essential. It signifies a future where humans and robots collaborate seamlessly. Organisations must empower their workforce by equipping them to not only navigate, but also embrace AI. Building a comprehensive skill matrix is crucial for effective planning.

Mercer | Mettl's Annual HREdge Summit 2024, with their theme: Workforce 2.0: Elevating People, Embracing AI, dug deeper into the above aspects through a half-day event that took place on 21st May at Seda BGC, Manila wherein renowned HR leaders brain stormed and explored skill-based talent management strategies to build a future-proof workforce that leverages AI while keeping people at the centre and deploys AI to create a brighter future in shaping the future of work and building a successful workforce 2.0.

The Philippines job market: AI taking centre stage

The way Filipinos get hired is changing rapidly! A recent report by Mercer on Philippines’ Talent Acquisition Insights 2024 shows a massive 84% of companies believe Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a key part of the hiring process. Imagine, AI helping recruiters find the best talent!

But how is this happening?

Well, half the companies say their IT departments are using AI the most. So, picture AI tools scanning resumes, scheduling interviews, and handling all the repetitive tasks that take up recruiters' time. This frees them up to focus on the human touch – like getting to know candidates and making the right fit decisions.

The insights throws another curveball – 70% of companies think AI might even replace some jobs, particularly in email marketing. This is a wake-up call for Filipino workers. To stay ahead in this AI-powered job market, developing new skills is crucial.

So, what does this all mean? AI is revolutionising recruitment in the Philippines. While it might change some roles, it also opens doors for a more efficient and data-driven hiring process. The future of work is here, and it's exciting!

‘Skills’ over ‘Experience’

The Philippine job market is undergoing a significant transformation. While experience remains a valuable asset, employers are increasingly prioritising demonstrable skills over traditional years of service. This shift towards ‘new-age skills’ reflects a growing need for a workforce that can navigate and contribute to an evolving technological landscape.

Technical expertise, particularly in areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI), is rapidly gaining traction. Generative AI (GenAI), for instance, represents a particularly promising field with its ability to automate tasks and generate creative solutions. Mercer’s study shows that 33% expect AI or automation will improve their employee experience by making positive changes to their workload. Companies are recognising the added value of employees who possess the understanding and capability to work effectively with AI tools.

This doesn't negate the importance of experience entirely. However, Filipino workers must broaden their skill sets to remain competitive. Investing in professional development opportunities such as online courses, workshops, or industry certifications can significantly enhance your candidacy.

By actively nurturing your technical knowledge and skillset, particularly in AI-related fields, you position yourself for success in the dynamic world of new-age work. Embrace the continuous learning mindset and equip yourself for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

The traditional focus on "skill vs. will" in the workplace is evolving. While possessing the necessary skills remains crucial, the key differentiator today lies in an employee's learnability. This encompasses the willingness and capacity to continuously learn, relearn, and unlearn.

According to Dhanur Oberai, Head of International Sales at Mercer | Mettl, “Simply acquiring a skill set is no longer sufficient. Unlearning is as important and crucial as learning. The Philippine workforce must cultivate an agile mindset that thrives in a dynamic environment. This agility allows individuals to adapt to emerging technologies, embrace new methodologies, and unlearn outdated practices.”

By prioritising learnability, Filipino workers can supplement their existing skill sets and ensure they remain relevant in the face of rapid change. This fosters a culture of continuous improvement within organisations, driving innovation and propelling business success.

The power of strategic learning pathways in the Philippine workplace

Keeping up with the dynamism, the Filipino company you choose to work for extends beyond just compensation and benefits. Strategic learning pathways play a critical role in an employee's professional development.

Having access to high-quality training programs, mentorship opportunities, and networking events can significantly enhance learnability, fostering the acquisition of new-age skills highly sought after by employers.

As per Mercer’s Global Talent Trend Study 2024, 45% Employees expect their company will teach them the needed skills if their job changes due to AI or automation. Learning alongside a diverse and talented cohort within your company or at industry conferences fosters collective intelligence. This collaborative environment allows for knowledge sharing, brainstorming sessions, and the cross-pollination of ideas. By combining human expertise with the analytical capabilities of AI, Filipino workers can achieve groundbreaking results and push the boundaries of innovation.

Sean Darilay, Career Talent Business Leader, Mercer, adds, “When navigating the Philippine job market, consider the learning opportunities offered by a potential employer and the quality of their learning strategies. Investing in your skills and professional development will empower you to thrive in the ever-evolving world of work.”

Building workforce 2.0: Rethinking skills assessments in the Philippines
The Philippine job market demands a shift in how we identify talent. Traditional assessments, focused on past experience, fail to capture the agility and AI-readiness of Workforce 2.0.

To unlock this potential, we need a new approach. Research-backed skills frameworks that prioritise adaptability, problem-solving, and continuous learning are key. Assessments must evolve too, with a focus on:

• Problem-solving scenarios: Testing a candidate's ability to navigate complex situations and develop innovative solutions.
• Adaptive learning assessments: Tailoring difficulty to accurately assess a candidate's true potential.
• Skill-based assessments: Measuring critical skills for working with AI, like critical thinking and data analysis.

Workforce 2.0 thrives on continuous learning. Companies must foster this by providing ongoing training, mentorship, and industry resources.

By prioritising these changes, the Philippines can build a future-proof workforce. Through a research-backed framework and continuous learning, we can identify the "hidden gems" who will propel the nation towards a new era of innovation.