Is your hiring plan ready for the post-election shift? With the results of the May 2025 national elections in the Philippines, many companies may face organizational changes, realigning structures, opening new roles, or bringing in fresh graduates. For employees, the election outcome is likely to stir discussions and differing views, potentially affecting morale, company culture, and workforce stability.
For hiring managers and business leaders, staying prepared is crucial. Beyond navigating opinions, the focus should be on safeguarding teamwork, ensuring continuity in hiring, and supporting employees through uncertain times. Here are seven practical ways to prepare your workforce and hiring plans for election week and beyond.
1. Establish Clear Post-Election Action Plans
Just as newly elected or re-elected officials will soon influence local and national policies, businesses should take this opportunity to review and update their internal action plans. The election results may bring changes that affect industries, regulations, and community priorities, making it essential to set clear goals, revisit strategies, and ensure your workforce is prepared to adapt.
- Set department and company-wide goals that reflect potential policy or economic changes following the election.
- Identify new local initiatives or partnerships that align with your services or industry priorities.
- Prepare your workforce for adjustments in compliance, workforce deployment, or operational procedures in response to new laws.
- Keep action plans inclusive and adaptable to ensure they remain unaffected by differing political opinions in the workplace.
2. Provide Space For Refocus and Reprioritizations
With May 12, 2025, declared a special non-working holiday under Proclamation No. 878, employers must honor employeesβ legal rights to vote. Beyond the voting day itself, the surrounding days can trigger heightened emotions, distractions, and workplace discussions. Supporting employees during this period by easing workloads and creating space for reflection can help them process events and return to work with clarity and renewed focus.
- Acknowledge the emotional impact of election week and encourage open, respectful conversations.
- Offer lighter workloads or flexible schedules to give employees breathing space during the week.
- Support employeesβ civic participation by reminding them of their rights and company policies on election-related absences.
- Encourage employees to reprioritize and refocus on both personal and professional goals after election day.
3. Advocate Mental Health and Self-Care
Election outcomes can significantly affect employees’ mental health, especially those from underrepresented or marginalized communities who may feel directly impacted by policy shifts. These changes can create uncertainty not only for existing employees but also for job seekers navigating the post-election landscape. As leaders, it’s important to proactively promote mental health awareness, create safe spaces, and encourage self-care during these emotionally charged times.
- Recognize the unique impact on underrepresented groups and ensure they feel heard, supported, and included.
- Anticipate workforce shifts or changes in hiring patterns that could affect employee well-being and job security.
- Promote care plans, mental health resources, and employee assistance programs (EAPs) to support emotional resilience.
- Establish safe spaces or support groups where employees can process feelings, share concerns, and engage in respectful dialogue.
4. Evaluate Your Hiring Capacity Post-Election
With Election Day in the Philippines being a holiday, many Senior High graduates may take the opportunity to begin their job search for part-time roles before college. As job applications flood in, businesses need to assess whether they can accommodate these applicants, especially considering any potential disruptions caused by the election. If hiring is part of your plan, itβs essential to evaluate your strategy and determine if your team can manage the influx of applications, whether for on-site or remote roles.
- Assess the impact of the holiday on your hiring process and any potential delays in your ability to respond to candidates.
- Review your recruitment strategy to ensure you’re ready to handle an increased number of job applications post-election.
- Determine if your team is equipped to process applications efficiently, even with potential workplace disruptions.
- Clarify whether hiring efforts will prioritize remote or on-site positions, depending on your business needs.
5. Improve Workforce Management
Elected leaders and their policies may influence the business environment and the productivity of your workforce. To ensure your employees remain focused and efficient during and after the election week, itβs essential to leverage effective workforce management strategies that enhance workflow and support continued productivity.
- Monitor project progress and adjust timelines to ensure critical tasks stay on track.
- Review payroll and benefits to ensure timely processing and compliance with any new regulations.
- Implement or update training programs to ensure your workforce is prepared for any policy shifts or skill requirements.
- Ensure regulatory compliance by keeping up-to-date with any changes in laws or industry standards that could affect your operations.
6. Refresh and Align Your Hiring Approach
If you’re looking to hire during or after the election period, it’s important to take time to refine your hiring strategy. Update job descriptions, optimize your online company profiles, and ensure alignment with the changing business environment. As newly elected leaders begin to establish their platforms, it’s essential to adapt your recruitment approach to meet evolving demands and attract top talent.
- Revise job descriptions to reflect the current needs of the business and industry post-election.
- Optimize company profiles on job boards and social media to appeal to job seekers, highlighting stability and growth opportunities.
- Align company culture and qualifications with the expected policy changes that could influence the workplace.
- Reevaluate perks and benefits to ensure they remain competitive and relevant in the post-election environment.
7. Stay Agile and Operational
As the election results unfold, itβs crucial for hiring managers to maintain workforce agility and keep employees focused on their responsibilities. To bridge any talent gaps, consider leveraging contingent workers while preparing them for possible full-time opportunities. Partnering with trusted job platforms like Bossjob can also help you stay connected with potential candidates, whether for on-site or remote roles.
- Maintain workforce flexibility by using contingent or project-based workers when needed.
- Upskill temporary workers for potential transition into full-time roles as business needs stabilize.
- Stay proactive in recruitment efforts by continuously sourcing candidates through platforms like Bossjob.
- Ensure business continuity plans are in place to keep operations running smoothly amid any workforce shifts post-election.
Final Words
In the coming days, shifts in labor regulations, government services, and economic policies will begin to take shape, impacting businesses and the workforce alike. The choices made by the Filipinos will inevitably influence how companies operate and manage their talent.
By applying these strategies, you can ensure your organization remains adaptable, proactive, and prepared to navigate changes while continuing to support, engage, and empower your employees during this critical period.
