The Future of Work in the Philippines

August 8, 2022

As a result of COVID, businesses have turned to technology to adapt to the suspension of economic activities. Among the new technologies that are set to change the workplace are IOT, AI, blockchain, and automation. We talk to lawyers at SyCipLaw about the future workplace and the risks and challenges employers and employees face.

Conventus Law: How do you foresee the future of work in the Philippines for remote hiring of workers?

(SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan (SyCipLaw)): We believe more businesses will continue to implement or adopt remote employment arrangements in the future. The private sector, especially the Philippines' biggest business groups, have generally expressed support for the continuation of work-from-home arrangements ("WFHA") for employees post-pandemic.

How do you see the impact of technology and changing demographics affecting policy and regulation?

We expect possible changes in policy and regulation given the impact of technology and the changing demographics.

The pandemic experience has highlighted the value and significance of technology in making remote work arrangements not only possible, but also more prevalent and the norm in some industries. For example, in a recent study in January 2022 involving 8,184 employees surveyed, 91% said that they preferred a hybrid or remote workplace. On the role of technology, another study involving mostly individuals within the ages of 18 to 39 reveals that 77% of survey respondents find remote meeting and collaboration easy to use.

Ultimately, however, it will be up to the incoming administration and Congress to determine what changes in employment policies and regulations are needed given the foregoing considerations.

Read the full special report on Conventus Law.