Labor-Management
Education on
Employment Relations
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT
2006The Human
Relations
StepThe Rule of Life: Things
Change
Department of Labor & Employment - NCRDepartment of Labor & Employment - NCRProof of Global Warming
Department of Labor & Employment - NCRThe
world of work
has changed
Department of Labor & Employment - NCRDepartment of Labor & Employment - NCR
•Impact on labor relations
•Impact on workplace issues
•Consequential impact on competitivenessIn a
changing workplace,
LR harmony &
industrial peace are
still the desirable end
goals
In a
changing workplace,
LR harmony &
industrial peace are
still the desirable end
goalsThese can be best achieved by organizations
that are secure because
They know the rules (the LR step)
They deal with with fairness,
reasonableness, respect (the HR step)
The are productive (the Productivity step)
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
These can be best achieved by organizations
that are secure because
They know the rules (the LR step)
They deal with with fairness,
reasonableness, respect (the HR step)
The are productive (the Productivity step)The HR Step
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
Any employment relationship is a human
relationship first and foremostWhat affects human
relations at the workplace?
characteristics of the
individual: his
interests, traits, and
needs;
characteristics of the
job: the work
responsibility
(position),
characteristics of the
work environment:
the communication
flow and culture
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
characteristics of the
individual: his
interests, traits, and
needs;
characteristics of the
job: the work
responsibility
(position),
characteristics of the
work environment:
the communication
flow and cultureSession Objectives
To identify the important elements of
human relations in the workplace
To identify the common pitfalls in
human relations
To identify practical steps in
managing human relations
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
To identify the important elements of
human relations in the workplace
To identify the common pitfalls in
human relations
To identify practical steps in
managing human relationsOutline
1. Understanding human needs
2. Understanding Filipino Values
3. Understanding organizational
communication
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
1. Understanding human needs
2. Understanding Filipino Values
3. Understanding organizational
communication
Key HR ELEMENTS
in the context of
harmonious workplace relationsI. Understanding
Human NeedsWhy do we work?
Under the theory of motivation, man
works because of his NEEDS
When needs are met, employee
satisfaction increases
When needs are not met,
employee dissatisfaction results
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
Under the theory of motivation, man
works because of his NEEDS
When needs are met, employee
satisfaction increases
When needs are not met,
employee dissatisfaction results Satisfaction results in
Loyalty
Retention
Motivation
Highly involved employees
(entrepreneurial spirit)
High productivity
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
Satisfaction results in
Loyalty
Retention
Motivation
Highly involved employees
(entrepreneurial spirit)
High productivity Dissatisfaction results in
Resignation
Low morale
Passive employees
Wastage
Low productivity
Low efficiency
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
Dissatisfaction results in
Resignation
Low morale
Passive employees
Wastage
Low productivity
Low efficiency“Understanding human needs is half
the job of meeting them."
-Adlai Stevenson, 1900-1965What are the practical steps?
Identify the needs
Identify the LR problems they bring
Respond to the needs and address the
accompanying problem
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
Identify the needs
Identify the LR problems they bring
Respond to the needs and address the
accompanying problemMovie break
“Modern Times”
Department of Labor & Employment - NCRTypes of Human Needs
3. Ego Needs
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
1. Basic Needs
2. Social NeedsBasic needs
Human needs:
Food
Clothing
Shelter
Other Survival
Needs
As it relates to
workplace:
Wages & money
matters
Benefits affecting food,
cloth and shelter
Job Security
Health and Safety
Concern
(to also cover family
needs)
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
Human needs:
Food
Clothing
Shelter
Other Survival
Needs
As it relates to
workplace:
Wages & money
matters
Benefits affecting food,
cloth and shelter
Job Security
Health and Safety
Concern
(to also cover family
needs)Social needs
Human needs to:
Relate
Interact
Interface
Communicate
Affiliate/ Belong
As it relates to
workplace:
Work time talks
Lunch and coffee
breaks
Support from co-
workers
Office meetings
Office socials and
parties
Office sports and after
work activities
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
Human needs to:
Relate
Interact
Interface
Communicate
Affiliate/ Belong
As it relates to
workplace:
Work time talks
Lunch and coffee
breaks
Support from co-
workers
Office meetings
Office socials and
parties
Office sports and after
work activitiesEgo needs (off the job)
Human needs:
Status
Dominance
Prestige
As it relates to
workplace:
Savings
Properties/
investment
Family vacation
Travel
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
Human needs:
Status
Dominance
Prestige
As it relates to
workplace:
Savings
Properties/
investment
Family vacation
TravelEgo Needs (on-the-job)
Human needs:
Achievement/ Status
Mastery
Independence
Dominance
Prestige
Managerial
responsibility
Self-fulfillment
(personal growth)
As it relates to
workplace:
Physical
Company car
Perks conveniences
Non-physical
High regard of others
Promotion
Scholarship/ training
opportunities
Reward/ Recognition
Status
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
Human needs:
Achievement/ Status
Mastery
Independence
Dominance
Prestige
Managerial
responsibility
Self-fulfillment
(personal growth)
As it relates to
workplace:
Physical
Company car
Perks conveniences
Non-physical
High regard of others
Promotion
Scholarship/ training
opportunities
Reward/ Recognition
StatusTo meet
Affinity Needs
Self-actualization
needs
Organization
should enhance
Mutual pride and
respect
Leadership skills of
management
Trust
Teamwork
Training
Employee’s natural
affinity for that type of
work
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
To meet
Affinity Needs
Self-actualization
needs
Organization
should enhance
Mutual pride and
respect
Leadership skills of
management
Trust
Teamwork
Training
Employee’s natural
affinity for that type of
workGround principles
Needs have a certain
“order”, starting
with basic
(survival) needs.
Only when the
lower order needs
are satisfied are we
concerned with
higher order needs
Esteem
Self-
actualization
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
Needs have a certain
“order”, starting
with basic
(survival) needs.
Only when the
lower order needs
are satisfied are we
concerned with
higher order needs
Source: Maslow’s
Hierarchy of Need
Biological/ Physical
Belongingness
Safety
EsteemGround principles
All– management & workers alike – have
human needs
Employees have basic human need and a
right to strive for self-actualisation, just as
much as the corporate directors and owners
do
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
All– management & workers alike – have
human needs
Employees have basic human need and a
right to strive for self-actualisation, just as
much as the corporate directors and owners
doCompany cannot satisfy ALL needs
No hard and fast rule on how much
COMPANY must satisfy
But company must REASONABLY
satisfy needs
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
Company cannot satisfy ALL needs
No hard and fast rule on how much
COMPANY must satisfy
But company must REASONABLY
satisfy needsCommon HR pitfalls
1. Lack of concern
for needs
No employee
relations program
Below standard
wages and benefits
Unreasonable or
unfair company
rules
Passing of
responsibility to
unions
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
1. Lack of concern
for needs
No employee
relations program
Below standard
wages and benefits
Unreasonable or
unfair company
rules
Passing of
responsibility to
unions2. Unfairness Unfair or harsh
rules
Inconsistent
application of
rules
Favoritism
Uneven
imposition of
penalties
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
Unfair or harsh
rules
Inconsistent
application of
rules
Favoritism
Uneven
imposition of
penalties3. Denial of
Recognition
Class
discrimination
Looking “through”
employee
Holding grudges
Indifference
Selective
recognition
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
Class
discrimination
Looking “through”
employee
Holding grudges
Indifference
Selective
recognitionWhen people
grow as people,
they
automatically
become more
effective and
valuable as
employees.
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
When people
grow as people,
they
automatically
become more
effective and
valuable as
employees. In fact virtually all
personal growth,
whether in a hobby,
a special talent or
interest, or a new
experience,
produces new skills,
attributes,
behaviours and
wisdom that is
directly transferable
to any sort of job
role.
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
In fact virtually all
personal growth,
whether in a hobby,
a special talent or
interest, or a new
experience,
produces new skills,
attributes,
behaviours and
wisdom that is
directly transferable
to any sort of job
role.Some helpful structures
Compliance with Labor Standards
Family Welfare Program
Continuing Staff Development
Program
Labor-Management Councils
Bipartism
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
Some helpful structures
Compliance with Labor Standards
Family Welfare Program
Continuing Staff Development
Program
Labor-Management Councils
BipartismThere is no shortcut.
There is no quick fix.
The law of harvest
prevails.
-Stephen Covey
(7 Habits of Highly Effective People)
There is no shortcut.
There is no quick fix.
The law of harvest
prevails.
-Stephen Covey
(7 Habits of Highly Effective People)
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
There is no shortcut.
There is no quick fix.
The law of harvest
prevails.
-Stephen Covey
(7 Habits of Highly Effective People)
There is no shortcut.
There is no quick fix.
The law of harvest
prevails.
-Stephen Covey
(7 Habits of Highly Effective People)II. Understanding
Cultural
Behavior &
TraitsGroupism vs Individualism
PLUSES
Philippine society is group-oriented
The concern is to maintain harmonious relations
Almost always, there is a group to lean on in time of
need
Authority is associated with status & age
MINUSES
Sometimes result to factionalism/ turfing
To be too independent/ self-reliant is frowned upon
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
PLUSES
Philippine society is group-oriented
The concern is to maintain harmonious relations
Almost always, there is a group to lean on in time of
need
Authority is associated with status & age
MINUSES
Sometimes result to factionalism/ turfing
To be too independent/ self-reliant is frowned uponBasic Structures
The Family
Basic, nuclear (central), extended (kin)
The family provides the context & meaning
to the one’s work
The Peer Group
In school, at work, professional
organization, neighbor, kumpare/ kumare
Where one derives psychological &
economic support outside the family
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
The Family
Basic, nuclear (central), extended (kin)
The family provides the context & meaning
to the one’s work
The Peer Group
In school, at work, professional
organization, neighbor, kumpare/ kumare
Where one derives psychological &
economic support outside the familyCore Values
Kapwa: The Other, Each
Other
Damdamin: Feelings
Dangal : Dignity, Pride,
Shame
Self-
actualization
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
Kapwa: The Other, Each
Other
Damdamin: Feelings
Dangal : Dignity, Pride,
Shame
Biological/ Physical
Belongingness
Safety
Esteem
Self-
actualization1. Kapwa
Pakikisama. Supervisor joins birthday or
social drinks, he is seen to recognize the
‘dignity of the employee and his buddies’
Pakikitungo. Manager instructs worker
“paki-dala”, not “dalhin mo ito”
Pakikiramay. Co-workers hold vigil during
wake of officemate’s family member
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
Pakikisama. Supervisor joins birthday or
social drinks, he is seen to recognize the
‘dignity of the employee and his buddies’
Pakikitungo. Manager instructs worker
“paki-dala”, not “dalhin mo ito”
Pakikiramay. Co-workers hold vigil during
wake of officemate’s family member2. Damdamin
Hiya. Manager chastises worker in front of
office mates or puts staff on the spot
(pinahiya ako)
Delicadeza.
Awa. In times of crisis, worker is expected
to come and help of his own volition.
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
Hiya. Manager chastises worker in front of
office mates or puts staff on the spot
(pinahiya ako)
Delicadeza.
Awa. In times of crisis, worker is expected
to come and help of his own volition.3. Dangal
Galang. Employee does not rudely interrupt
the boss during a meeting to tell him he is
wrong.
Utang na Loob. Worker will forever be
grateful to Manager who recommended that
the company pays the hospitalization
expenses of his sick child.
Karangalan. Employee will not be bought
for monetary consideration
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
Galang. Employee does not rudely interrupt
the boss during a meeting to tell him he is
wrong.
Utang na Loob. Worker will forever be
grateful to Manager who recommended that
the company pays the hospitalization
expenses of his sick child.
Karangalan. Employee will not be bought
for monetary considerationThe Labor Relations
Implication of cultural
behavior?
Filipino worker, based on his traits and
cultural behavior is motivated when:
The company has ‘family’ atmosphere
The organization does not ignore emotional aspect
of worklife
The supervisor is seen as supportive
The reward and promotion system is cooperative
and fraternal
There is open communication and genuine
information
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
Filipino worker, based on his traits and
cultural behavior is motivated when:
The company has ‘family’ atmosphere
The organization does not ignore emotional aspect
of worklife
The supervisor is seen as supportive
The reward and promotion system is cooperative
and fraternal
There is open communication and genuine
informationHelpful structures:
Family Welfare Program
Regular employee-employer
dialogue/ open communication lines
(e.g., councils, committees)
Continuing staff development for
supervisors
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
Helpful structures:
Family Welfare Program
Regular employee-employer
dialogue/ open communication lines
(e.g., councils, committees)
Continuing staff development for
supervisorsIII. Understanding
Organizational
CommunicationDepartment of Labor & Employment - NCR
Among the elements mentioned, the most
dynamic yet constant and unmistakably at
the heart of the labor relations is
communication.The organization is a
conversation.
Everything that management does is
communication.
Everything that employees say, and not say, is
communication.
No work gets done except through the power
of communication.
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
The organization is a
conversation.
Everything that management does is
communication.
Everything that employees say, and not say, is
communication.
No work gets done except through the power
of communication.Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
How much attention are you paying to the
most powerful force in your organization?Communication Failures
No communication plan
Communication plan has no clear
purpose
Communication plan is not
communicated, not implemented
Secretive organization
(compartmentalized)
Not knowing what to communicate
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
No communication plan
Communication plan has no clear
purpose
Communication plan is not
communicated, not implemented
Secretive organization
(compartmentalized)
Not knowing what to communicateACTIVITY PAGE #2
“Follow me”
Department of Labor & Employment - NCRLearning points
People receive the same message but
interpret it in different ways
To increase shared meaning
(understanding), communication must be 2-
way, clear, repetitive
Sometimes the hindrance to effective
communication is ME (& my assumptions).
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
People receive the same message but
interpret it in different ways
To increase shared meaning
(understanding), communication must be 2-
way, clear, repetitive
Sometimes the hindrance to effective
communication is ME (& my assumptions)."He who asks
is a fool for five minutes,
but he who does not ask
is a fool for ever."
-Traditional Chinese proverb
"He who asks
is a fool for five minutes,
but he who does not ask
is a fool for ever."
-Traditional Chinese proverbTo be an effective LR tool,
communication must be:
Two-way
Consciously adopted
Involves ideas, information and recognition
Aim is to improve employer-employee
relations
Under environment
conducive to information
flow
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
Two-way
Consciously adopted
Involves ideas, information and recognition
Aim is to improve employer-employee
relations
Under environment
conducive to information
flowHelpful
communication structures
one-on-one
small group meetings
formal office meetings
informal setting within the office
meetings outside of the office
written or audio-visual modes
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
one-on-one
small group meetings
formal office meetings
informal setting within the office
meetings outside of the office
written or audio-visual modesActivity Page #3
“Sign Language”
Department of Labor & Employment - NCRCommunication must be
carefully planned
For example, in
conducting meetings:
When
Where
How many
Materials
Objective or Purpose is clearly defined
Managers and supervisors should be trained to
handle meetings
Need for control should be balanced with the
need for open discussion
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
For example, in
conducting meetings:
When
Where
How many
Materials
Objective or Purpose is clearly defined
Managers and supervisors should be trained to
handle meetings
Need for control should be balanced with the
need for open discussionActivity Page #4
“Reading 101”
“SINGULAR SPECIMEN OF THE
SCIENTIFIC CLASS OF AVIS
CONTAINED WITHIN THE
BOUNDARIES OF THE UPPER
PREHENSILE IS EQUIVALENTLY
VALUABLE AS A DOUBLED
INVENTORY OF THAT ITEM
LOCATED IN A LOW-SPREADING
THICKET.”
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
“Reading 101”
“SINGULAR SPECIMEN OF THE
SCIENTIFIC CLASS OF AVIS
CONTAINED WITHIN THE
BOUNDARIES OF THE UPPER
PREHENSILE IS EQUIVALENTLY
VALUABLE AS A DOUBLED
INVENTORY OF THAT ITEM
LOCATED IN A LOW-SPREADING
THICKET.”“a bird in the hand is worth
two in the bush”
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
“a bird in the hand is worth
two in the bush”
There is elegance in simplicityDepartment of Labor & Employment - NCRCommunications must be
written, simple and
disseminated
Creates a permanent record of
communicated information
Powerful tool to dispel office rumors
Powerful tool to impart management
position
May come in the form of Bulletin boards
notices, handouts, regular newsletters,
bulletins, company policy, employee
handbook
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
Creates a permanent record of
communicated information
Powerful tool to dispel office rumors
Powerful tool to impart management
position
May come in the form of Bulletin boards
notices, handouts, regular newsletters,
bulletins, company policy, employee
handbook‘Open Door’ Policy is
encouraged
Welcoming visitors and communications
Inviting people in and attending to their
needs
Showing concern and interest when one’s
assistance is asked
Opening channels of communication with
employees
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
Welcoming visitors and communications
Inviting people in and attending to their
needs
Showing concern and interest when one’s
assistance is asked
Opening channels of communication with
employees6 Communication FAULTS
F – AULTY transmission
A –CTIVE grapevine
U-NDESIRABLE shortcutting of channels
L-ACK of commitment to 2-way communication
T-OO many levels of organization
S-UPERVISOR’S biases
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
F – AULTY transmission
A –CTIVE grapevine
U-NDESIRABLE shortcutting of channels
L-ACK of commitment to 2-way communication
T-OO many levels of organization
S-UPERVISOR’S biasesOrganizational communication
is OK when people…
Feel they can communicate frankly and
openly
Feel they’re listened to and treated as
important
Know whom to see about what and these
persons should be readily available
Get fast and frank
answers
Have full information
about key elements of
their organization
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
Feel they can communicate frankly and
openly
Feel they’re listened to and treated as
important
Know whom to see about what and these
persons should be readily available
Get fast and frank
answers
Have full information
about key elements of
their organizationHelpful Structures:
“Different Strokes.. For Different Chokes”
PEACEFUL SPACE– (Shopfloor level)
informing/instructing/ learning, integrating,
inspiring, coaching, initiating comm circles
BREWING CAULDRON—(complaint or
misunderstanding) grievance handling,
counseling,disciplining
DISPUTES-- negotiating, conciliating/
mediating,
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
PEACEFUL SPACE– (Shopfloor level)
informing/instructing/ learning, integrating,
inspiring, coaching, initiating comm circles
BREWING CAULDRON—(complaint or
misunderstanding) grievance handling,
counseling,disciplining
DISPUTES-- negotiating, conciliating/
mediating,the north wind and the sun
The north wind and the sun argued which
was the stronger. On seeing a traveler
they agreed a suitable test would be to
strip him of his cloak.
First the wind blew with all his might, but
the more he blew, the more than man
wrapped the cloak tightly around
himself.
When the sun's turn came, he gently
beamed at the man, who loosened the
cloak. The sun shone brighter still, and
the man threw off his cloak.
The north wind and the sun argued which
was the stronger. On seeing a traveler
they agreed a suitable test would be to
strip him of his cloak.
First the wind blew with all his might, but
the more he blew, the more than man
wrapped the cloak tightly around
himself.
When the sun's turn came, he gently
beamed at the man, who loosened the
cloak. The sun shone brighter still, and
the man threw off his cloak.
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
The north wind and the sun argued which
was the stronger. On seeing a traveler
they agreed a suitable test would be to
strip him of his cloak.
First the wind blew with all his might, but
the more he blew, the more than man
wrapped the cloak tightly around
himself.
When the sun's turn came, he gently
beamed at the man, who loosened the
cloak. The sun shone brighter still, and
the man threw off his cloak.
The north wind and the sun argued which
was the stronger. On seeing a traveler
they agreed a suitable test would be to
strip him of his cloak.
First the wind blew with all his might, but
the more he blew, the more than man
wrapped the cloak tightly around
himself.
When the sun's turn came, he gently
beamed at the man, who loosened the
cloak. The sun shone brighter still, and
the man threw off his cloak.
Persuasion is better than force.Watch your thoughts; they
become words.
Watch your words; they become
actions
Watch your actions; they
become habits
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
Watch your habits; they become
character
Watch your character;
it becomes your
destinyActivity Page #5
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
Square Wheels One A Leader is pulling a rope in front and the team is pushing from the back.
The wagon body can represent the organization, the Square Wheels are the things that work, but not
always smoothly, and the round wheels - already inside the wagon - represent the ideas that could
make the wagon or organization operate more smoothly. But communication is difficult and visions
are critical!The HR Step
In the changing workplace,
LR harmony & industrial peace are
still the desirable end goals
This is achieved when organizational
members take practical steps that
show that they deal with each other
with respect, reasonableness and
fairness
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
In the changing workplace,
LR harmony & industrial peace are
still the desirable end goals
This is achieved when organizational
members take practical steps that
show that they deal with each other
with respect, reasonableness and
fairnessThe HR Step
The HR step are practical day to day
measures that consider and foster the
three basic HR elements: employee
motivation, positive values and
meaningful communication.
Department of Labor & Employment - NCR
The HR step are practical day to day
measures that consider and foster the
three basic HR elements: employee
motivation, positive values and
meaningful communication.Thank you.
Source:
Labor Management Seminar by Siguion Reyna
Montecillo and Ongsiako
Labor Education for Foreign Employers by DOLE,
ILO & Ancilla Consulting
More Games Trainers’ Play by John Newstrom
Businessballs.com
Modern Times by Charlie ChaplinProgram Offerings
Department of Labor & Employment - NCRComing up:
The Productivity
Step""Do not worry if others do
not understand you.
Instead worry if you do not
understand others."
-Confucius, Chinese Philosopher
551-479 BCDepartment of Labor & Employment - NCR