E is for Eskwelabs Issue 89 - Change is daunting, and that’s ok :)
At Eskwelabs, we go through change together.
We created this newsletter to keep our alums, partners, and anyone interested in learning skills for the future of work updated and connected to our ever-growing community. If you want to read our previous issues, you can check them out here.
Ciao! This is Meg speaking. In this special newsletter, we'll talk about change. We all know that change is inevitable and necessary, but we often don't discuss:
🔄 The moment you realize you need to change something,
🤔 Thinking deeply and seeking help, which both shape your choice,
💫 The mix of excitement and nerves before you make the jump, and the big step you take,
❄️ Getting cold feet about letting go,
🌟 Finally feeling peaceful and happy with something new.
Change can be scary, but what's important is that we keep wanting to move forward and that we keep trying……
…..and at Eskwelabs, we go through change together.
Happy reading!
Reading time: 5 minutes
The Changing of the Seasons 🌱
Some seasons last longer than others—and while staying with what’s familiar and predictable challenges our patience and resilience, embracing what’s possible energizes our spirits. Take, for example, renovating your childhood room. It is a space you’re very comfortable in but the creaks in the wood and the faded paint on the walls are reminders of how times have changed. By embracing the possibility of transformation, you breathe new life into the room, turning it into a reflection of renewal.
How about outgrowing relationships that once brought us fulfillment? Heavy are the hearts of those who are reminded of what they used to be rather than what they can be. Growth in this area means choosing to let go—giving way for new beginnings and even deeper connections. Both examples are about honoring the past while stepping into the future with optimism.
Time Moves Forward ⏭️
Change on an organizational level is a testament to the ingenuity of communities. Think of our early ancestors and how they responded to different seasons—their routines and social structures depended greatly on their changing environment. Don’t you think they motivated each other to adapt, sharing a sense of purpose despite uncertainty and evolving circumstances?
Collectively recognizing the need for evolution and bravely taking that first step ensures a group’s long-term sustainability and success. In modern times, one manifestation of such is the shift to remote work. Organizations that survived the pandemic are those that reevaluated their approach to work and opted for flexible work arrangements to accommodate their teams.
According to this article by the Harvard Business Review, here are some other work trends to look out for this 2024:
Creative Benefits to Address Work Costs: Organizations will offer housing subsidies, caregiver benefits, financial well-being programs, and student loan repayment to tackle the tangible and intangible costs of returning to the office.
AI and Workforce Opportunities: Artificial Intelligence (AI) will not replace jobs but will lead to redesigned jobs incorporating new responsibilities, such as interacting with generative AI tools, enhancing workforce opportunities.
Adoption of Four-Day Workweeks: Four-day workweeks will become more common, improving talent outcomes like engagement, performance, and well-being, and business outcomes by eliminating inefficiencies and driving competitive advantage.
Essential Conflict Resolution Skills for Managers: Effective conflict resolution among employees will become a critical skill for managers, requiring dedicated training to navigate interpersonal conflicts and improve organizational outcomes.
Lessons from GenAI Experiments: Organizations will learn hard lessons from the rapid adoption of generative AI, facing challenges in governance, quality control, and employee judgment regarding new technology.
Skills Over Degrees: The emphasis on skills rather than college degrees will increase, opening up broader talent pools and embracing skills-based hiring and internal talent development programs.
Climate Change Protection Benefits: Organizations will offer benefits related to climate change protection, including safety plans, compensation for impacted employees, and mental health support.
Embedded DEI Initiatives: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts will become more integrated into everyday business operations and culture, moving beyond siloed programs to a shared way of working.
Flexible Career Paths: Traditional career trajectories will become less common, with more flexible arrangements like gig work, returnships, and roles that value expertise over tenure, adapting to changing workforce dynamics.
Other than that, forward-thinking companies are upskilling their workforce with data and AI tools to meet market demands. By providing training and resources for continuous learning, these companies empower their employees to stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive.
The burden of taking that first step doesn’t entirely fall on these individuals and organizations. We can reach out to our communities and take advantage of opportunities that can strengthen our collective resilience and facilitate smoother transitions. At Eskwelabs, we understand the importance of support and guidance during periods of change, and as we go through change ourselves, we're committed to standing by you every step of the way.
In fact, for quite some time now, we’ve been working on something that we're excited to share with the entire community very soon. 🌟 This upcoming announcement represents more than just a new initiative—it's a reflection of our unwavering dedication to prioritizing the needs of our learners and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of education.
Stay tuned as we reveal this exciting new development! 💡 In the meantime, take the first step in embracing change and explore our ongoing programs and events:
🚀 Admissions for Cohort 13 of the Data Science Fellowship are open!
» Register for the Open House here: https://bit.ly/Register-DSFC13-OH
» Sign-up for the upcoming cohort here: https://www.eskwelabs.com/data-science-fellowship
💼 Our AI Leadership Labs are designed to equip you with prompt engineering skills, business frameworks to engage with seniors, and a deeper appreciation for new technologies.
» Sign-up for our March 16 session, entitled “Digital Transformation and AI Leadership for Managers”: https://learningsprints.eskwelabs.com/ai-leadership-lab
» This in-person workshop will be from 1 PM - 4 PM at AIM, Makati for Php 5,000
📚 Exclusively for IBPAP members, we’re offering specialized training for BPO leaders!
» Check-out the available training dates on our Facebook page here.
» Secure your spot at https://bit.ly/IBPAP-GENAI
The Comfort in Change 🙏
Change, when embraced with an open heart and mind, can be as comforting as it is daunting. I would like to thank Eskwelabs—my teammates, our learners, alums, partners, and our dear readers—for the transformative journey that is writing for E is for Eskwelabs.
Alexa, play:
Two years ago, I never imagined myself being a part of the tech community
My growth since then has been nothing short of magical
On my first day, I met the team online.
I was quiet, reserved, and dressed in a collared-shirt in work-appropriate makeup.
I found that our meetings start with one-of-a-kind warmers and icebreakers
Our meetings have background music.
Our meetings were productive and filled with warmth and laughter—
—I found that a talented team enjoys a day’s work
when driven with the same passion for education and growth
At my first conference, I realized how intimidating the tech industry can be.
Where do I, a language major, fit in?
But then I saw the hearts of educators in action
My team—the same ones who ideate and execute a workshop—oftentimes are also its instructors and mentors
The future of work is challenging but it is not a lonely one
Upskilling is possible for everyone.
On the days I was training to be a content designer, I felt hopeful.
I get to discover the world of data and tech through my passion for storytelling.
The happiness I felt from creating content mirrors
that of my colleagues’ dedication to creative work
that of my mentor’s unwavering belief that my work will be able to move our audience
and that of our learners’ enthusiasm and commitment to keep up with the evolving world around them.
On the days I was grieving, Eskwelabs was there.
How warm it is to be in a space where empathy flows freely
where colleagues turn into friends
where healing began through community support
How warm it is to be in a space where personal growth and well-being are prioritized alongside professional development
where individuals are valued not just for their skills but for their humanity
Just like the learners who finished our programs, Eskwelabs gave me the skills to seek more
I am now confident enough to advocate for more
and I am disciplined enough to work for more
And from a space that has provided me with opportunities and warmth, I must grow.
It’s been a pleasure writing to you for the past year, Eskweloves! I’ll see you guys around ;)
💌 Always learning with you,
Meg Ruiz
Senior Officer at Eskwelabs