When Eldee Africa-Villapando, a Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP), first stepped into the world of HR, she didn’t expect her early responsibilities to include negotiating with labor unions. But that’s exactly where her path led—and it changed her perspective forever.
“My first assignment was in Employee and Labor Relations, where I was exposed to real, on-the-ground issues—including handling labor union matters,” she told Financial Adviser PH.
It wasn’t easy. She was new to the field, still finding her voice, and suddenly immersed in high-stakes conversations between workers and management.
“It was a challenging but eye-opening experience that taught me the importance of communication, negotiation, and mutual respect in maintaining a healthy labor-management relationship.”
Learning the human side of HR—fast
Unlike textbook HR, labor relations is raw, personal, and emotional. It’s where decisions affect livelihoods and where the stakes are deeply felt on both sides.
Villapando quickly realized that her role wasn’t just about procedures—it was about listening.
“You can’t just go in with a script,” she shared. “You need to understand what people are trying to say—not just in words, but in tone, in body language, and in what’s not being said.”
She learned that successful HR professionals don’t just represent management—they bridge the gap between company goals and employee needs.
Conflict resolution rooted in empathy
At the heart of every labor negotiation, Villapando found one constant: the need for mutual respect.
“You can’t solve anything if both sides are just trying to win,” she told Financial Adviser PH. “But when both parties feel heard and respected, that’s when real progress begins.”
Even during tense discussions, she made it a point to stay calm, acknowledge concerns, and bring the focus back to shared goals—like safety, fairness, and long-term stability.
Her early immersion in these situations taught her that HR isn’t about avoiding conflict—it’s about managing it with clarity and care.
Lessons she still carries today
Although Villapando has since worked across other areas of HR—Recruitment, OD, Compensation—she says her experience in labor relations still shapes how she approaches every conversation.
“It taught me that communication and trust can’t be rushed. You have to earn it, every single time.”
And perhaps most importantly, it helped her build the confidence to have hard conversations—something every HR leader needs, especially in times of change.
Final takeaway: The best HR lessons aren’t learned from a desk
Villapando believes that the most powerful training ground for HR professionals isn’t always in workshops or certifications—it’s in the field, listening to people, and navigating real-life situations.
Her time in labor relations was more than an assignment—it was a foundation.
“That experience taught me how to lead with empathy, how to listen with purpose, and how to advocate for solutions that work for everyone.”
