Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairperson Karlo Nograles stressed the importance of equipping leaders with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitude to lead the country toward its collective vision of a “Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Buhay” as expressed in the Philippine Development Plan.
Speaking in front of 891 public sector executives, managers, directors, and division chiefs during the Civil Service Institute (CSI) Leadership Series, Chairperson Nograles noted that the future of work will be championed by the leaders of tomorrow who will adeptly navigate the complexities of a multigenerational workforce and harness the potential of diverse generations.
“The workforce of today is continuously evolving and undergoing a radical transformation. We are currently experiencing the convergence of four generations at work – each with its own set of ideas, values, and motivation – and witnessing generational shifts in the work landscape marked by technological advancements. This can present both a challenge and opportunity, and readiness is key,” he added.
Citing a study made by a global analytics and advice firm in 2018, Chairperson Nograles said that employees, regardless of age, seek out organizations that prioritize the well-being of their workforce and exhibit ethical leadership.
“Leaders cannot address these factors in a one-day event. They require full integration into your culture, and your employees must experience them in real-life interactions within your organization,” said Chairperson Nograles.
Chairperson Nograles noted that the CSC, as the human resource arm of the Philippine bureaucracy, holds an important role in ensuring that we institutionalize approaches in engaging a multigenerational workforce.
“In CSC, we play a crucial part in developing and implementing policies, guidelines, and programs that cater to employees’ needs and challenges from different generations. We have taken various initiatives to embrace the diverse generational landscape within the workplace and equip existing and future leaders to lead effectively, which can be summarized into three areas – digitalization, engagement, and collaboration,” he said.
He shared that the CSC champions digitalization by utilizing a range of web-based applications, including the Online Civil Service Examination Application System (OCSEAS) and the Online Registration, Appointment, and Scheduling System (ORAS). These systems are specifically designed to facilitate convenient access to CSC services and enable clients to conveniently apply for civil service examinations, make registrations, and schedule appointments online.
To promote employee engagement, the CSC introduced CSC Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 4, s. 2020 or the Guidelines on the Development of Mental Health Program in the Public Sector. This initiative aims to promote comprehensive mental wellness and establish an inclusive, conducive, and supportive work environment for all public servants. Additionally, CSC MC No. 6, s. 2022 was issued, which adopts flexible work arrangements to improve work-life balance and provide reasonable work arrangements for vulnerable employees.
To foster collaboration within the CSC, the Commission also conducts the annual Directorates Conference and the Field Directors’ Conference aimed to equip leaders in CSC offices nationwide with new methods and strategies in leadership needed to address challenges on the ground.
“At the Civil Service Commission, we are committed to continuous innovation, development, and transformation to meet the HR needs of the entire bureaucracy. Patuloy po kaming mag-iisip, maghahanap, at gagawa ng kaparaanan upang mas mapagbuti ang aming serbisyo sa kapwa Pilipino. At bilang tagapangulo ng Komisyon sa Serbisyo Sibil, karangalan kong manguna at sumuporta sa mga gawaing ito,” assured Chairperson Nograles.
The CSI Leadership Series is a learning and networking event that showcases the best practices of successful leaders and managers in both the government and the private sectors. The First Semester CSI Leadership Series was held virtually on 23 June 2023 with the theme “Embracing Leadershift Towards Leading a Multigenerational Workforce”.