In the heart of Makati, a new book aimed at rethinking the country’s Human Resources industry was finally unveiled last October 11, 2023, at The Astbury Makati.

“Working Well: Creating Workplaces for Happy Employees” is one of the few human resource books with localized, Filipino-centric content. Aimed at bridging a crucial gap in the Philippine business landscape, the book delves into the vital role of fostering workplace cultures that prioritize employee happiness, a subject often overlooked in the country.

In a city characterized by high-rise buildings and corporate ambitions, this literary endeavor marks a pivotal moment for HR professionals and business leaders seeking to enhance the well-being of their employees. Attendees of the book launch included the book’s featured HR professionals, as well as the creative minds behind Bookshelf PH.

As part of the ongoing book club series, “The Write Side of Bookshelf: From Manuscript to Masterpiece,” this event served as a platform to explore the pressing issue of HR representation in the Philippine business landscape and how “Working Well” filled this critical void. The book sparked conversations about the significance of culture-fit in diverse company settings and how it can profoundly influence employee happiness.

The Astbury Makati, known for fostering creative exchange and intimate conversations, once again provided the stage for this literary milestone. It was an opportunity for those in the corporate world and beyond to delve into the world of HR literature and be part of the growing community dedicated to enhancing the well-being of employees. “Working Well” is more than a book; it is a catalyst for change in the realm of HR and employee satisfaction.

Unlocking the Power of “Working Well”

“Working Well: Creating Workplaces for Happy Employees” arrives at a time when the dynamics of the workplace were evolving rapidly. The days of a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach to employment had given way to a more nuanced understanding of the diverse needs and aspirations of employees.

In the Philippines, as in many parts of the world, the importance of employee happiness has taken center stage. Employers and HR professionals had realized that a contented workforce was not just a nice-to-have; it was a vital component for success. The book, Working Well dove deep into this vital topic.

Featured HR leaders in the book, who have worked for the top companies in the Philippines, brought a wealth of experiences and insights to this crucial discussion. From nurturing a positive workplace culture to offering opportunities for personal and professional growth, the book unveiled insider information on what it’s like to work in different work environments, diverse sets of people, and unique company cultures.

Working Well resonated with HR professionals, business leaders, and anyone invested in creating environments where employees thrived. The book was a playbook for navigating the changing landscape of HR, offering practical strategies and real-life examples that demonstrated how organizations could foster happier, more engaged employees.

Filling a Void in Philippine HR Literature

One of the key takeaways from Working Well was the recognition of a significant gap in the Philippine HR literature. While the country’s business and HR landscape has been rapidly evolving, there has been a shortage of literature that addresses the specific challenges and opportunities faced by HR professionals in the Philippines.

Working Well was a much-needed addition to the canon of HR literature in the Philippines. It not only addressed the pressing concerns of the industry but also offered a comprehensive roadmap for building and sustaining workplaces where employees were not just productive but genuinely happy.

The book featured insights from HR professionals who had successfully navigated the complexities of the Philippine business environment. Their stories and experiences served as inspiration for those striving to make a difference in their organizations.

“If you notice, there are limited books on the best HR practices in the Philippines,” Porsha Mangilit, Co-author and Managing Editor of Working Well said. “Context matters a lot, especially when dealing with people at work. We need HR books that understand the nuances and culture we have as Filipinos.”

The Role of Culture-Fit in Employee Happiness

One of the central themes of Working Well was the pivotal role of culture-fit in employee happiness. The book underscored that it was not just about providing attractive salaries and benefits; it was about creating an environment where employees felt a sense of belonging, shared values, and a positive connection with their workplace.

In a diverse country like the Philippines, where cultures and values could vary significantly from one region to another, understanding the nuances of culture fit became even more critical. Working Well provided valuable insights into how organizations could cultivate a culture that resonated with their employees, leading to greater job satisfaction and overall well-being.

The book did not just highlight the importance of culture-fit; it provided practical guidance on how HR professionals and business leaders could assess and improve their workplace cultures. It offered a roadmap for creating environments where employees not only worked well but also felt a deep sense of happiness and fulfillment in their roles.

“Happiness is very subjective. But it’s easier to define workplace happiness.

When people are satisfied with their jobs and happy to come to the office to interact with their colleagues, it speaks volumes on whether HR is moving towards the right direction,” Mangilit explained.

Join the Movement

The launch of “Working Well” was more than just a book release; it was the start of a movement. It was a call to HR professionals, business leaders, and anyone passionate about creating workplaces where employees flourished.

The Astbury Makati, a place known for igniting creative conversations and fostering intellectual exchange, was the perfect backdrop for this event. It was not just an occasion for book enthusiasts but an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who shared a common goal: to make workplaces better, one employee at a time.

“Working Well: Creating Workplaces for Happy Employees” was a book with a mission, and it was a mission that was worth joining. Those who attended the event did not miss the chance to be part of this transformative movement in the world of HR literature.

Dive into the world of HR and explore what it means to truly work well by grabbing a copy of the book here (https://bookshelf.com.ph/products/working-well-creating-workplaces-for-happy-employees-pre-order?_pos=3&_psq=working&_ss=e&_v=1.0).


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