BIZ BUZZ: What firms do to manage and retain talent
With 64 percent of employees in the country being either in the middle of switching employers or considering doing so, according to a global study by Aon Plc, getting certified as a workplace where staff want to stay is indeed something to flex about.
This is not lost on JTI Philippines, which says it ranks No. 2 in this year’s list of Top Employers in the Philippines by the Top Employers Institute. According to the Netherlands-based institute, JTI Philippines’ parent firm is also in their list of this year’s top employers in the Asia-Pacific region as well as globally.
“Aside from continuing to improve our work environment and caring for their well-being, we pride ourselves on our focus on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI),” says Ari Wisnubroto, people and culture director at JTI Philippines.
(Thankfully, this is not America under Donald Trump, where DEI initiatives are frowned upon.)
Wisnubroto says JTI’s family leave policy supports new parents by providing 20 weeks of fully paid leave when welcoming a child, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation or the way they become parents.
Also, they have a program that offers free driving lessons to women without driving experience and who want to pursue a field-based career at JTI.
The company also sponsors individuals from disadvantaged communities with the opportunity to earn a college degree while earning a salary and developing their careers at JTI.
Meanwhile, Sun Life Grepa Financial Inc. says it has been certified as a Great Place to Work for the third straight year. This latest stamp of recognition is good for the November 2024 to November 2025 cycle.
According to the United States-based Great Place to Work Institute, 86 percent of Sun Life Grepa’s employees say the joint
venture between the Yuchengco Group and Sun Life Philippines is “a great place to work.” This is higher than the 65-percent affirmation rate for an average firm in the country.
Richard Lim, president of Sun Life Grepa, says that the recognition upholds “the culture we have cultivated together—one that values a supportive and empowering workplace where employees can thrive both personally and professionally.”
Results from the latest round of survey show that 91 percent of Sun Life Grepa workers said that the company fosters an inclusive environment where they feel welcome.
Also, 92 percent acknowledged fair treatment regardless of gender and 92 percent appreciated how the company celebrates special events.
