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Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Tough truths for leaders: Why employees quit their jobs
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By Jun Cuaresma
THE mere plan to hand over a resignation letter has become a common joke. There is truth behind it, however, whether one pushes through or not with plans to quit. In today's business environment plagued by the great war for talent, statements like this are cause for concern not just for people management and human resources leaders but also for all who share the responsibility of promoting employee engagement and talent retention.
Speaking of truths, here is a tough one to handle: A Gallup study revealed that nearly 50 percent of the US working population is on the hunt for a new job, with businesses seeing a higher number of workers actually quitting their jobs. What is more interesting is that workers across all job categories are looking for new work opportunities at the same rate. The figures are worrisome, with experts calling the phenomenon "The Great Reshuffle."
Why do employees quit? It is not just because of pay issues nor employees hating what they do. The real cause is more workplace related. A 2022 McKinsey survey highlighted that one of the top reasons employees resign was because of their bosses. Having "bad managers" drives staff away — not a good thing to hear when you are the boss. All is not lost, however — there are options that leaders can undertake to help their company address high attrition rates.
Implement people engagement
The same survey showed that when employees were interested and highly engaged in their work, they were more productive compared to peers who showed signs of disengagement. The solution seems simple at best: get staff more engaged in their jobs. But for this to work, managers must realize that the role of a leader extends beyond the completion of deliverables and proper delegation of work. An effective leader knows the importance of people engagement and the plethora of benefits it provides.
In a previous article, we emphasized that a toxic workplace is much more detrimental than we realize. For one, a toxic work culture contributes to stress buildup and work burnout (the latter considered as an occupational phenomenon by the International Classification of Diseases), which is caused by severe workplace stress that is not adequately addressed.
Beware of 'quiet quitting'
Another tough truth: quiet quitting is real. In its research, Gallup defined "quiet quitters" as those employees who do not aspire to achieve more, those who do not bother to go above and beyond in their duties, or those who are perfectly content to complete just what their job description covers. Nothing more and nothing less. This phenomenon is disconcerting considering that in this day and age, effective collaboration and leadership styles require an innovative and go-beyond mindset.
To solve this, HR (human resources) teams should be adept in implementing new policies to prevent employee disengagement and burnout. One strategy could be as straightforward as mandating regular manager-coachee sessions that will be helpful for managers in checking with members of their teams.
Find new ways to attract, retain talent
Simple enough? Think again. As changes to workplace arrangements are implemented, traditional approaches in talent acquisition and retention may no longer be as effective as before.
Look at the whole talent retention process as a classic push and pull between employer and employee. On one end, staff can be demotivated by factors including toxic work culture. To be able to tug and pull, and make staff stay, employers should be knowledgeable about demotivators as much as factors that motivate. Lessen demotivators by replacing these with engaging corporate acts — be it a higher pay, promotions or similar people engagement initiatives.
The next time you hear a joke about an employee planning to resign, do not take it as lightly. A myriad of factors makes employees quit their job, and it is not just HR officers who are responsible for finding ways to make staff stay. Ensuring the effective implementation of people engagement measures is the duty of every employee, managers and new hires alike.
Jun Cuaresma is the managing partner & COO of P&A Grant Thornton. P&A Grant Thornton is one of the leading audit, tax, advisory and outsourcing firms in the Philippines, with 24 partners and more than 1,000 staff members. We'd like to hear from you! Tweet us at @GrantThorntonPH, like us on Facebook at P&A Grant Thornton, and email your comments to pagrantthornton@ph.gt.com. For more information, visit our website at www.grantthornton.com.ph.
UP Concert Chorus celebrates 60 years with concert on Feb. 4
by Manila Bulletin Entertainment
The University of the Philippines’ performing group, the UP Concert Chorus (UPCC) or simply Korus, celebrates its 60th anniversary with a concert entitled “Sama-Sama Together” to be held on Saturday, Feb. 4, 5 pm at the UP Theater in Diliman, Quezon City.
Established in 1962 under the incumbency of UP President, General Carlos P. Romulo with Dean Ramon Tapales as UPCC’s first conductor, the UPCC has evolved into an internationally renowned and multi-awarded choir that has perfected versatility in singing classical, folk, pop and Broadway musical genres with their signature vibrant choreography under the stewardship of the much-beloved Dean Rey T. Paguio.
An icon of stage performance that pioneered ChoreoCapella or choreographed a capella in the Philippines, it is the recipient of several distinctions, including the world’s best in folk choral performance at the 2012 Festival Internacional de Cantonigros in Spain, Grand Prix winner at the 6th International Krakow Choir Festival in Poland, and 2012 Aliw Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award.
The anniversary concert features different UPCC batches from the 1960s to the present performing songs and choreography of various musical genres such as liturgical, classical, opera, Filipino folk, Broadway, and pop.
“From Thompson to Fettke, from Abelardo to Lucio San Pedro to John Lennon, from VST to APO Hiking Society, from Gary Valenciano to Itchyworms, from Nonong Pedero to Willy Cruz to Ryan Cayabyab… we are going sing the songs by these remarkable artists. The concert is going to be a musical extravaganza to remember 60 years by,” says Atty. Noriz Reyes, chairperson of the UPCC 60th Anniversary Concert Committee.
Three celebrated conductors will be leading the choir, they are: Prof. Joel Navarro, Prof. Ed Manguiat, and current UPCC conductor Jai Sabas-Aracama. Mr. Rico Mortel will be directing the show.
Among those who have confirmed to perform include singer-comedienne Nanette Inventor; Edru Abraham of Kontra Gapi; Becky Demetillo-Abraham of Inang Laya; broadcaster Kata Inocencio; celebrity voice teacher Kitchie Molina; Bob Serrano and Popo Suanes of the Tux; Zebedee Zuñiga and Sushi Reyes of Opera; lawyers Dot Gangcayco, Noriz Castillo, Gigi Dizon Reyes and Jenny Aldecoa-Delorino; doctors Tony Comia and Melfred Hernandez; international performer Jonathan Badon; stage actors Lionel and Cynthia Guico; Filipino-American musician Nhick Pacis; singer-actress Olive Isidro; speech language pathologist Kaye Tuiseco of the Ryan Cayabyab Singers, music teacher Emmy Cayabyab; public relations strategist Ritzi Ronquillo; Vallejo City Vice-Mayor Rozzana Verder-Aliga of California, and around 200 more UPCC alumni.
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Prof. Joel Navarro, himself a UPCC alumni, promises that the event will be a treat not just for those who are familiar with the UP Concert Chorus’ brand of performing. He says, “It’s a lifetime event that you will want to attend. It’s not just our story. It’s the story of how music can build a community, transform a people and move the world.”
UPCC Alumni Association President Atty. Dot Gancayco stresses that as their way of giving back to the Alma Mater the Korus, the proceeds of the concert will go to the Dean Rey T. Paguio Scholarship Fund.
For ticket details and inquiries, contact Lowell Reyes mobile 09228050471.
CCP turns to TikTok to champion Filipino arts and culture
by Manila Bulletin Entertainment
TikTok Philippines, the leading destination for short-form mobile video, recently entered into an understanding with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) to support the preservation and modernization of the arts and culture in the country by bringing traditions closer to the masses.
Through the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), TikTok would organize specialized training and joint events with CCP, as well as promotions across different communication platforms.
This is in line with CCP’s thrust to provide avenues that encourage Filipino artistic expression and content creation through TikTok and other forms of new media, manifested through its project series such as Kanto Kultura, a celebration of culture and the arts featuring Filipino artists.
PBBM highlights PH economy’s strengths at WEF country dialogue
by Argyll Cyrus Geducos
DAVOS, Switzerland — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. highlighted before his fellow world leaders the state of the Philippine economy and the opportunities awaiting investors.
In his remarks during Tuesday’s 2023 World Economic Forum (WEF) Country Strategy Dialogue, the President said many opportunities are waiting to be unlocked, telling investors about the initiatives being undertaken to ensure the Philippines’ continued recovery that has made it more conducive for business.
In particular, he cited an International Monetary Fund (IMF) projection for the 2023 global economic growth, which will only be at 2.7 percent, slower than the 3.2 percent posted last year. This figure is a significant decrease from the 6.0 percent recorded in 2021.
“But for the Philippines, we project our economy to grow by around 7.0 percent in 2023,” he noted.
“Our strong macroeconomic fundamentals, fiscal discipline, structural reforms, and liberalization of key sectors instituted over the years have enabled us to withstand the negative shocks caused by the pandemic and succeeding economic downturns and map a route toward a strong recovery,” he said.
President Marcos called on all governments to unwind trade restrictions and reinforce the commitment to the World Trade Organization (WTO) reform.
“We have seen inflation accelerating globally in recent months… We are mindful that while protectionist policies may be appealing, even necessary in the short term, there will ultimately be no long-term winners,” he said.
“Countries also need to ensure that sufficient welfare measures are in place to cushion the impact of elevated inflationary pressures, especially towards the most affected and vulnerable sectors,” he added.
Geopolitical risks
In addressing current geopolitical risks, President Marcos reiterated the country’s support for the timely and effective delivery of practical, workable outcomes and encouraged economies to leave no stone unturned in finding common ground in these critical global issues.
He said the Philippines continues to focus on sustaining recovery by promoting a local environment that will nurture businesses to help them maximize their competitiveness and facilitate their entry into the global market.
The President likewise stressed the importance of economic and technical cooperation to assist the development of smaller economies and enable their participation, especially of small businesses and economic segments with untapped potential in the global economy.
Digitalization
To address the current energy and food crises, President Marcos said the country’s development plan puts together measures to hasten economic and social recovery toward inclusive and resilient development, underscoring the need for heightened collaboration to realize economic and social transformation.
“The government also recognizes the importance of digitalization as a key driver for long-term economic growth and as a tool for economic transformation,” Marcos said, promising to empower and enable micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to participate in the digital economy.
“We have begun large-scale deployment of digital connectivity across the Philippines to ensure universal connectivity, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas,” he pointed out.
Social vulnerabilities
Emphasizing the need to address current social vulnerabilities, Marcos underscored the importance of education, skills development, and lifelong learning to enhance the employability of workers.
He said government interventions and public-private partnerships (PPPs) must be strengthened to improve access to employment opportunities. He added that health systems and social protection must also be enhanced to decrease and mitigate present and future risks.
Present during the country dialogue were House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.
Joo-Ok Lee, the head of the Regional Agenda – Asia-Pacific, and member of the Executive Committee at the World Economic Forum, acted as moderator.
The making of the self-righteous
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By Fr. Roy Cimagala *
WHAT is to be self-righteous? It’s when we base our idea of what is right and wrong, good and bad on our own estimation of things with hardly any reference to God. Or there might be some references to God, as usually the case, but in the end, it is our own ideas that would prevail. In other words, when we make ourselves our own law.
We are reminded of this danger in that gospel episode where Christ asked some Pharisees if it was lawful to cure a man with a withered hand on a sabbath. (cfr. Mk 3,1-6) What should have been an easy, common-sensical answer to make the Pharisees mad, even thinking of how to eliminate Christ. Their position typifies the rigidity of a self-righteous mind.
The common phenomenon of self-righteousness can be considered as the irony of ironies. That’s because one can earnestly pursue the path of holiness, of what is good and right, and yet ends up the opposite of what he wants. He can practically have the trappings of goodness and holiness and yet misses the real root of righteousness, which is God. It can be so self-deceiving that one becomes fully convinced he is righteous.
The main problem with self-righteousness is when one’s search for holiness does not go all the way. His relation with God, his understanding of God’s will and ways only goes to a certain extent. Usually it stops at that point where he feels he already knows everything. In other words, he makes himself the ultimate judge of things, discarding the many other things of God’s will and ways that may still be hidden in mysteries.
This was well personified by the Pharisees, scribes and other elders during the time of Christ. They preferred to stick to their own ideas of goodness and holiness, their own laws and traditions, and went all the way not only to be suspicious of Christ, always finding fault in him, but also to finally crucify him.
This danger of self-righteousness usually affects people who are considered intelligent, gifted, talented. They often regard themselves, either in an open way or in a hidden way, superior to others.
If one is truly righteous with a righteousness that is a participation of the righteousness of God, then he should include in his idea of goodness and holiness the essential virtues of humility, compassion and mercy. He always defers to the ultimate judgment of God. Whatever judgment he makes is always open to God’s judgment.
He should have the love that God manifested in Christ, the God made man to offer us the way, truth and the real life meant for us. And that love includes love of one’s enemies. It’s a love that can go all the way to offer one’s life not only for his friends but also for his enemies. This is the real test of a truly righteous person.
Yes, it’s true that Christ said that there can be no greater love than when a man lays down his life for his friends. (cfr. Jn 15,13) But St. Paul said that “God proves his love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom 5,8)
In other words, even if we consider ourselves enemies of God because of our sins, God continues to love us. For God, we are all his friends, his beloved, no matter what the circumstances are. We have to reflect this kind of righteousness of God!
If there are those who do not love us in return, that’s their problem, not ours.
* Chaplain Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE), Talamban, Cebu City
Email: roycimagala@gmail.com