Through its Human Capital Committee, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) explored the area of human-centered design and innovation in a webinar titled, “Navigating towards a human-centric workplace.”
With ECCP Executive Director Florian Gottein opening the event, Dr. Charisse Gail Bantiling covered the process of how one can achieve design solutions catered to the personality of users or employees. She stated that human-centric design is an approach to problem-solving that begins with people and ends with creative solutions tailed to the users’ needs. She cited the three phases in designing a workplace fit for purpose – inspiration, ideation and implementation.
“Designing a solution that will work for everyone means talking to both extreme users and those merely in the middle of your target audience,” she said, emphasizing the need to know the personalities of the users.
On her presentation of happiness and well-being in the workplace, Sujatha Ganapathy explained that the social and physical environment is the largest determinant of one’s health. She highlighted the importance of well-being in the workplace and how spaces can affect an employee’s demeanor.
“The workplace should be designed in such a way that individuals have access to work environments that they need to best perform daily tasks,” she said.
For her part, Binky Figueroa laid down a process that can best safeguard employees for their return to the office and adjusting to the new normal – rethink, reimagine and relearn.
In conclusion, ECCP Human Capital Committee Chairman Jose Bantiling said a conscious workplace engages employees and evolves culture.
“In accomplishing a human-centered environment, the elements of innovation, design, and collaboration must be present.” he said.
In close partnership with government, businesses, civil society, and academia, ECCP passionately works to enhance the business environment for both European and Filipino companies.