Highlighting the Importance of Resilience in Today’s Organizations, the Philippines for example
In the Philippines, resilience is often seen as a badge of honor. It’s something we’re proud of as a nation—our ability to smile and move forward despite typhoons, earthquakes, or even traffic that no one knows when it will end. But when it comes to organizations, is this kind of resilience enough?
In today’s time, especially in a country like ours that’s constantly dealing with challenges, organizations need to think bigger about resilience. It’s not just about surviving tough times; it’s about being prepared, adapting quickly, and finding ways to thrive no matter what comes our way.
Importance of Resilience in Philippine Organizations
The Philippines is hit by an average of 20 typhoons every year. Looking only at the month of November, the Philippines faced a series of significant typhoons, including Super Typhoon Man-yi and Typhoon Pepito, which caused widespread devastation. These storms impacted millions, particularly in regions like Catanduanes, Aurora, and Bicol, where communities experienced flooding, power outages, and large-scale displacements and many companies face the risk of downtime from floods or power outages.
Then there’s the economic rollercoaster, with inflation, unstable prices, and even global issues affecting our local businesses. Additionally, the challenge of keeping up with technology and the changing needs of employees, especially with Gen Z and millennials making up much of the workforce. Resilience here isn’t just about getting back on track after these things happen. It’s about being prepared before they even hit.
Why shouldn’t Resilience be glorified?
Filipinos are good at being resilient, but most of the time, this is the problem. We’re so used to adapting that we forget to demand better systems or solutions. Some admire people for enduring taxing commutes or bouncing back after natural disasters, but why don’t we ask for better public transport or stronger disaster-preparedness programs?
It’s the same for organizations. Glorifying the ability to “keep going” can sometimes distract from the need to fix bigger issues. Resilience shouldn’t mean putting up with bad systems—it should mean building better ones.
How Philippine Organizations Can Build Authentic Resilience
1. Prepare for Disasters: It’s a given that natural disasters will happen, so businesses should plan ahead. Partnering with groups like the NDRRMC or investing in disaster-resilient facilities can make all the difference.
2. Adapt to Economic Challenges: Organizations can’t control inflation or global market changes, but they can stay flexible—whether that means shifting strategies or finding ways to cut costs without hurting employees.
3. Use Technology to Stay Ahead: From cashless payments to remote work tools, companies need to keep up with digital trends. The pandemic proved how important this is, especially for small businesses.
4. Take Care of Employees: Resilience starts with people. Companies that offer mental health support, fair benefits, and growth opportunities will not only survive but thrive with a motivated and loyal team.
5. Think Sustainable: Climate change isn’t going away, and businesses need to do their part. Whether it’s reducing waste or using renewable energy, these efforts make organizations more resilient in the long run.
Resilience: More Than Just Survival
For us Filipinos, resilience will always be a part of who we are. But it shouldn’t stop at survival. Organizations in the Philippines have the chance to redefine resilience—to go beyond the struggles we’re so familiar with and build a future where we’re not just bouncing back but bouncing forward.
In the end, resilience is about hope and strength, yes, but it’s also about action and change—the kind of resilience we need today.
Published on October 28, 2024.
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