Leaders from various organizations come together to uncover how workforce data is shaping the future of work in the Philippines
In today’s evolving world of business, data is redefining how organizations understand their people. This was the central theme of The Talent Equation: Leveraging Workforce Data for Business Impact, a business forum co-presented by Colliers and Asia Select on October 6, 2025. The event gathered C-suite executives, HR leaders, and talent acquisition heads to explore how workforce analytics in the Philippines can enable smarter decisions and stronger business outcomes.
Understanding the Philippine Workforce Through Workforce Data
Delivering the keynote presentation, Gene Gangan, Chief Operating Officer of ZMG Ward Howell, presented a data-driven look at the Philippine labor market, a workforce that is young, dynamic, and full of potential, but also facing critical talent challenges.
“Organizations can no longer afford to make decisions based on guesswork. Workforce analytics gives leaders the clarity they need to act with confidence.” – Gene Gangan, COO, ZMG Ward Howell
Key insights from the presentation included:
• The Philippines has a 49-million-strong workforce with a median age of 24.5, making it one of the youngest in Asia.
• High-demand roles such as software developers, data scientists, and cybersecurity analysts are among the most difficult to fill, taking up to 90 days on average.
• The freelance and gig economy continues to expand, with around 2 million workers nationwide.
• Persistent skills mismatches in AI and digital roles highlight the urgent need for upskilling and digital literacy.
Industry Leaders Discuss Aligning People and Purpose Through Workforce Data
Moderated by Acie Arroyo-Cruz, Senior Strategic Consultant at Aon Philippines, the forum’s panel discussion featured:
- Jack Madrid (President & CEO, IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines)
- Angela Fleta (Head of HR & Operations, Roth & Co. Philippines)
- Gene Gangan (COO, ZMG Ward Howell)
The discussion explored how workforce analytics empowers organizations to bridge strategy and execution by aligning business goals with employee insights.
Highlights from the panel discussion:
• Predictive analytics helps organizations anticipate attrition and identify future skill needs.
• Data transparency and sharing foster collaboration between HR and business units.
• Generational data informs flexible work models and engagement strategies.
• Sustainability and well-being metrics are becoming key to long-term talent retention.
From Insight to Impact: Using Workforce Data to Drive Business Strategy
Beyond recruitment, the event underscored how workforce analytics can drive organizational transformation and business impact.
Key applications discussed:
• Compensation benchmarking aligned with evolving market conditions.
• Upskilling initiatives that address the AI and digital skills gap.
• Location-based workforce data for expansion and real estate decisions.
• Talent analytics to improve employee experience and business performance.
The forum highlighted that workforce data is no longer just an HR function, it’s a strategic business advantage.
Building a Data-Literate HR ecosystem with Workforce Analytics
The event concluded with networking sessions where leaders shared ideas on how to apply workforce analytics across industries. The collective message was clear: The future of work in the Philippines depends on how effectively organizations use workforce data to drive innovation, inclusion, and business growth. The Talent Equation was not only a forum, it was a reminder that when data meets human insight, businesses thrive.
Stay informed on the latest workforce analytics and talent intelligence insights shaping the Philippine labor market. Follow Asia Select for more leadership forums, expert perspectives, and HR thought leadership.
