By Allan Joaquin, MBA, CPDM
All this time we thought the art of being Marites in the workplace is a useless skill.
I remember years ago whenever I came to the office ( I am usually the last to arrive), my colleagues would all be gathered inside the pantry talking about the latest showbiz chika. Who was Judy Ann Santos dating? Where did RIco Yan and Claudine Barretto go for the weekend? Who was Atty. Lolong, our valued client, dating this time? Yes, that was a long time ago.
Today, it seems most of the new yuppies would rather look at their phones to check on the latest trends or chat with their virtual friends rather than engage their colleagues in small talks.Â
Interpersonal skills will always be important in the workplace. It ensures everyone will be on the same page. It eliminates misunderstanding and encourages teamwork. This is crucial for both personal job satisfaction and organizational success.
What are the possible reasons why interpersonal skills are declining?
It is easy to blame the internet, smartphones, and computers for the decline in interpersonal skills. However, there are other underlying reasons at play.Â
Several factors contribute to this decline:
1. Increased Digital Communication
With the rise of smartphones and social media, people are spending more time communicating online rather than face-to-face. This shift can reduce opportunities to practice and develop interpersonal skills. While it is nice to see teens stay at home, they are at home for the wrong reasons, missing out on valuable in-person interactions.
2.Sedentary Lifestyles
Modern conveniences and technology have led to more sedentary lifestyles This also reduces in-person social interactions, leading to a decline in confidence and communication.
3. Changes in Family Structures
How many of us are guilty of allowing our kids to use their gadgets so that we can continue with our work or household chores uninterrupted? We all probably are. Let’s face it, it IS rather convenient and we get some peace and quiet thanks to technology. However, smaller family units and less intergenerational interaction mean fewer opportunities for children to learn communication skills from older family members.
4. Educational and Work Environments
Many educational systems and workplaces focus heavily on individual achievements rather than teamwork and collaboration, which can hinder the development of cooperative skills.
5. Reduced Outdoor Play
Children today spend less time playing outside, missing out on valuable lessons in teamwork and conflict resolution.
On one hand, some people argue that reducing the Marites in the workplace can significantly reduce office politics, which often begin with the chismis (gossip). Chismis can create unnecessary divisions and eat away trust among colleagues. When employees focus less on idle chatter and more on their work, the office environment can become more collaborative, professional, and productive.
With that said, I believe employees still crave human interaction in the workplace, as it plays a crucial role in building relationships and promoting overall well-being. In-person interactions provide a level of connection and engagement that virtual exchanges often lack.Â
Employees value face-to-face communication for its ability to create a more personal and genuine bond. Human interaction in the workplace allows for immediate feedback, clarification of ideas, and the exchange of emotions, fostering a more supportive and dynamic work environment.Â
Ultimately, while technology has changed the way we work, the need for social connection and meaningful relationships in the workplace remains a fundamental aspect of the employee experience.Â
And so to all the Marites’ out there, please know that your skills are useful!
Allan Joaquin serves as the Communications and Processes Director at EZPZ Accounting, a leading Business Process Outsourcing company headquartered in Dumaguete. Beyond his work at EZPZ Accounting, Allan is the founder of Joaquin Creative Communications.