By the UnionBank Xcellerator Squad

It has been six months since the pandemic forcibly disrupted the workplace. Businesses have closed, people lost their jobs, and some are struggling with job security. Companies all over the world have proven that there is no cookie-cutter approach to teching-up the workplace. But with early adoption and constant experimentation, some companies have started to champion PeopleTech. But what is it, and why does it matter now more than ever?

In the 5th episode of Gamechangers, a learning series run by UnionBank's Xcellerator Squad, people tech takes center stage as human resources leaders define it and why it is necessary to build a future-ready Filipino workforce. As it is, the pandemic has hastened that future prompting even more for people to beef up their capabilities and skills to be able to thrive in the age of pandemic.

The episode featured Michelle Rubio, Chief Human Resource Officer of Union Bank of the Philippines, and Anj Vera, CEO of Talentview. Both leaders shared their companies' best practices and learning about business continuity, leadership, adaptability, and capability building. Migs Bustos, ABS-CBN Sports Anchor, moderated the program.

Focus on Capability Building and Learn New Skills

As part of an organization that champions the agile ways of working and advocates PeopleTech, Michelle Rubio shares insights on how we can help other people. "We need to adopt a shift in mindset to effectively tech up the workplace, we have to democratize learning and encourage people as much as they can to learn different skills,” she said.

According to Anj Vera, experience, education, and exposure are the essentials when introducing change. "We need to understand, learn, and integrate ourselves with technology fast. And if we do, we would be able to cope and thrive in this now normal," she said.

What are the essential skills in the now normal?

Adaptability. We have to embrace the change. This is forced digital disruption, which is something we have to adapt to.

Cognitive flexibility. How quick do we learn something new or adjust what we already know?

Leadership. Leadership is key, and first person you lead is yourself.

More importantly, we need to help people who resist change

Hot Skills of the Now Normal

Whether you want to learn a new skill or take a refresher, these are the skills of the future that you may want to add on your list:

Data Analytics. By understanding data, you do not just look at data for what it is; you must piece the puzzle to get the bigger picture and relate a story out of it.

Content Creation. Creating content, developing videos, graphics, and writing content that people will consume.

Analytical thinking and innovation. Being a visionary and a forward thinker is critical in solving critical problems and creating rational decisions that may impact our day-to-day lives in these unprecedented times.

Do you want to get more insights on PeopleTech? Visit https://ubpxcellerator.apptitude.xyz/ and know more about UBP Xcellerator’s course offerings and free webinars.

UBP Xcellerator is a one-stop learning resource that offers various on-demand learning programs and learning pathways aligned to digital capability building and emerging technologies such as Blockchain, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, API, and more. Aligned with the bank's higher purpose to tech up the Philippines, the program offers free webinars bi-monthly covering various topics that advocate upskilling and retooling to future-proof the Filipinos.