For Hanah Beth Manalaysay, a Certified Human Resource Professional, HR was never just about enforcing rules—it was about reshaping how people experience work. Her mission? To create organizations where people feel heard, empowered, and genuinely valued.
“In my current role in HR, no two days are exactly the same—and that’s one of the things I love most about it,” Hanah told Financial Adviser PH. “My work involves a mix of strategic planning and people-centered support. On any given day, I could be facilitating a leadership development session, resolving employee concerns, or collaborating on initiatives to improve workplace culture.”
Rather than being the enforcer of policies, Hanah sees HR as a strategic bridge—aligning business priorities with the human side of the organization. She spends her time coaching managers, guiding talent strategies, championing DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion), and supporting employee well-being.
“At the heart of everything I do is the goal of creating a work environment where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed,” she said. “It’s challenging, rewarding, and constantly evolving—and that keeps me motivated every single day.”
Hanah’s approach is built on a belief that HR is the heart of any organization. She’s passionate about all aspects of the profession—recruitment, employee relations, learning and development—because she sees how interconnected they are in shaping the employee experience.
“I’m genuinely passionate about all areas of HR because each one plays a vital role in driving organizational success,” she explained. “What excites me most is how each function connects to a larger purpose: creating environments where people can do meaningful work and feel genuinely valued.”
When it comes to people management, Hanah leads with empathy, trust, and intentionality. She believes that meaningful leadership begins by recognizing the humanity of every employee.
“It starts with recognizing that every employee is a human being first—each with unique experiences, motivations, and aspirations,” she said. “So I lead by listening. Understanding what people need to feel supported, challenged, and valued allows me to tailor my approach in a way that brings out their best.”
For Hanah, listening isn’t passive—it’s a strategic act. She credits much of her impact to her ability to create space for honest conversations and build psychological safety within teams.
“Culture is something we shape daily through actions—not just words or values posted on the wall,” she shared. “It’s about modeling accountability, respect, and collaboration in every interaction.”
She’s especially proud of the culture programs she’s helped build—from coaching frameworks to buddy systems and engagement initiatives—each one grounded in the belief that people do their best work when they feel they belong.
“Ultimately, my goal is to create a workplace where people don’t just show up—they belong, contribute, and grow,” Hanah said. “Because when people feel genuinely connected to their work and to each other, that’s when culture becomes not just strong, but sustainable.”
In a constantly changing world of work, Hanah believes HR is in a unique position—not to react to change, but to lead it. She sees the future of HR not as gatekeeping, but as experience design.
“HR is no longer just about managing policies—it’s about shaping how people feel at work,” she emphasized. “That means leading with empathy, strategy, and purpose.”
For Hanah Beth Manalaysay, HR is not a department. It’s a movement. And through every initiative she leads, she’s quietly rewriting the employee experience—one meaningful decision at a time.
