Employers prioritize people over technology
Published Jun 27, 2023 07:42 am
Despite the advancements in technology, particularly AI (artificial intelligence), employers vowed that people should always be priority and they cannot be replaced by robots.
This was stressed by Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) Chairman Edgardo G. Lacson at the opening Tuesday, June 27, of the 44th National Conference of Employers on the theme “Human-Centered Transitions for a Just and Sustainable Workplace” at the Manila Hotel.
“We assure you that despite whatever developments in technology will come our way, ECOP shall continue to believe in that time-honored philosophy that people should always be our priority,” said Lacson.
ECOP President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. also talked about the human aspect of their work to correct the impression where employers have often been referred to as capitalists, caring only about making profits and accumulating wealth. “We value our people, not only as active contributors and partners in growth and development but, above all, as fellow humans. We in ECOP are also humans concerned with other humans, as well as the planet where we live,” he said. “We are a group of employers – who employ and work with humans,” he added. As employers, he said, employers grow and expand their businesses to provide jobs and income for humans. They also train and develop humans so that they can achieve their full potential, strive to create the best employee experience. He said that employers do their best to attract and retain the best talents that can help grow their organizations. While employers embrace automation, robotics, digital transformation, artificial intelligence (A.I.) and other technological advancements, both Lacson and Ortiz-Luis stressed that employers have the human heart to put the primacy of humans over machines and their intelligent applications. “We make sure that robots and A.I. will not replace humans in the workplace,” he said. In fact, he said, one of ECOP’s missions is to put People First, and foster compliance in order to promote peace and harmony in the workplace. Employers also strive hard to ensure compliance with global and local standards for working conditions. Employers are guided by laws, orders, and advisories; by exemplary business practices in the world of work; and by what conscience dictates – a working atmosphere that protects and promotes the welfare and wellbeing of employees. They also work hard to help create liveable cities and communities, where constituents are assured to have access to the necessities of life, including food security and a stable natural environment by mitigating the ill effects of global warming and climate change, and make adjustments that ultimately build resilient employees, businesses, and communities – in ways where they can best discharge their societal responsibilities. Ortiz-Luis said they do these things not only to benefit their businesses, but also to help improve the careers and livelihood of employees. “But more importantly, we do this because it is the right thing to do,” he said. Lacson, however, stressed that business cannot ignore technological developments, “Otherwise, we shall fall by the wayside.” He stressed that technology enable companies to serve customers faster, better, and at a lower cost. “We have to adapt to the changing ways of doing business. Technology has made communication, marketing, manufacturing, and logistics faster and more environment-friendly. We have to adapt and amend some of our labor- intensive operations in order for our enterprises to be globally competitive,” he said. Meantime, Lacson said that many of ECOP member-companies have found ways to transition to and adopt new technologies for more cost-effective operations and better customer service. He cited inspiring stories of how some companies have “re- purposed,” instead of terminating, their excess or redundant employees. “This is one human-centered way to make just transitions driven by technological developments,” he said. As technological developments and climate change initiatives continue to drive transitions in the workplace, Lacson cited some ways to make transitions just and fair for all stakeholders. These are — reskill and upskill of employees; empower customers; invigorate supply chain; benefit your community; and, adopt an ‘all-of-society’ approach.
This was stressed by Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) Chairman Edgardo G. Lacson at the opening Tuesday, June 27, of the 44th National Conference of Employers on the theme “Human-Centered Transitions for a Just and Sustainable Workplace” at the Manila Hotel.
“We assure you that despite whatever developments in technology will come our way, ECOP shall continue to believe in that time-honored philosophy that people should always be our priority,” said Lacson.
ECOP President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. also talked about the human aspect of their work to correct the impression where employers have often been referred to as capitalists, caring only about making profits and accumulating wealth. “We value our people, not only as active contributors and partners in growth and development but, above all, as fellow humans. We in ECOP are also humans concerned with other humans, as well as the planet where we live,” he said. “We are a group of employers – who employ and work with humans,” he added. As employers, he said, employers grow and expand their businesses to provide jobs and income for humans. They also train and develop humans so that they can achieve their full potential, strive to create the best employee experience. He said that employers do their best to attract and retain the best talents that can help grow their organizations. While employers embrace automation, robotics, digital transformation, artificial intelligence (A.I.) and other technological advancements, both Lacson and Ortiz-Luis stressed that employers have the human heart to put the primacy of humans over machines and their intelligent applications. “We make sure that robots and A.I. will not replace humans in the workplace,” he said. In fact, he said, one of ECOP’s missions is to put People First, and foster compliance in order to promote peace and harmony in the workplace. Employers also strive hard to ensure compliance with global and local standards for working conditions. Employers are guided by laws, orders, and advisories; by exemplary business practices in the world of work; and by what conscience dictates – a working atmosphere that protects and promotes the welfare and wellbeing of employees. They also work hard to help create liveable cities and communities, where constituents are assured to have access to the necessities of life, including food security and a stable natural environment by mitigating the ill effects of global warming and climate change, and make adjustments that ultimately build resilient employees, businesses, and communities – in ways where they can best discharge their societal responsibilities. Ortiz-Luis said they do these things not only to benefit their businesses, but also to help improve the careers and livelihood of employees. “But more importantly, we do this because it is the right thing to do,” he said. Lacson, however, stressed that business cannot ignore technological developments, “Otherwise, we shall fall by the wayside.” He stressed that technology enable companies to serve customers faster, better, and at a lower cost. “We have to adapt to the changing ways of doing business. Technology has made communication, marketing, manufacturing, and logistics faster and more environment-friendly. We have to adapt and amend some of our labor- intensive operations in order for our enterprises to be globally competitive,” he said. Meantime, Lacson said that many of ECOP member-companies have found ways to transition to and adopt new technologies for more cost-effective operations and better customer service. He cited inspiring stories of how some companies have “re- purposed,” instead of terminating, their excess or redundant employees. “This is one human-centered way to make just transitions driven by technological developments,” he said. As technological developments and climate change initiatives continue to drive transitions in the workplace, Lacson cited some ways to make transitions just and fair for all stakeholders. These are — reskill and upskill of employees; empower customers; invigorate supply chain; benefit your community; and, adopt an ‘all-of-society’ approach.