‘Generational fluency’ a must for workplaces, say experts

PHILIPPINE COMPANIES’ workplace policies must leverage open communication and flexibility to manage employees of different age groups, which could help boost firms’ productivity and competitiveness, experts said.

- By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz Reporter

“When we talk about the future of work, it’s still about people,” Enrique Antonio Reyes, vice-president and head of strategic business partnering at Converge ICT Solutions, Inc., said during a panel discussion at the BusinessWorld Forecast 2026 on Nov. 25.

“The focus of the tenured generation combined with the energy and quickness of the younger generation will lead to better decisions and faster execution,” he said.

Fostering “generational fluency” in the workplace is no longer a human resource (HR) function but a business mandate, Acumen Strategy Consultants President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pauline Fermin told the forum.

The Philippine workforce stands at a critical time where different age groups are interacting in a single work environment, she said.

However, company leaders must address “friction lines” between generations, or this could result in conflicts and weaker productivity.

Over 75% of Philippine CEOs said differences in management and leadership styles is a major workplace issue, according to a 2024 survey by PwC Philippines and the Management Association of the Philippines.