SM’s embrace of diversity, equity and inclusion
Embracing individual strengths, creating safe workspaces, and advocating a culture of belongingness among its employees is practiced at every level across SM companies.
Embodying the values of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in providing opportunities for employees from all walks of life is part of the SM Group’s sustainability efforts.
In a study by McKinsey & Company, a US-based consulting and management firm, employees who feel accepted and free to be themselves at work are happier and end up positively impacting company culture and success.
“We recognize diversity and inclusion as major components to achieve greater innovation, contributions and synergies among our employees, and more importantly, as a key element to the overall sustainability of the group,” said Elizabeth Anne Uychaco, SM Group diversity officer.
“Fostering a culture and environment where every employee feels valued, respected and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents without fear of misguided judgment and discrimination is something that we as a group will continue to work on.”
SM marked a milestone in DEI in 2022 when it appointed Uychaco as its first group diversity officer to advance gender equality and champion inclusion across the group’s ecosystem of businesses.
Under the leadership of Uychaco, SM is set to roll out a simple framework on how each business unit across the group can introduce the foundations of DEI, which will then be consolidated group-wide for performance analysis and reporting purposes.
Three principles
The approach will be guided by three principles. The first one will cover policies on SM as an equal opportunity provider, giving fair employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of gender, race, religion, national or regional origin, age and marital status.
The second principle has SM taking on the provision of inclusive facilities in the workplace. Under this, the group will promote inclusivity and ease of access by offering gender-neutral washrooms, nondenominational meditation spaces, accessible pathways and facilities for persons with disabilities, and breastfeeding rooms for nursing mothers.
Lastly, SM’s DEI work culture will be grounded on transparency and accountability. At all times, SM will exercise the utmost integrity on DEI disclosures, providing timely, accurate and balanced reporting to the group’s stakeholders. The performance metrics to be measured include the percentage of gender distribution across the group, internal promotions, and the diversity of individuals in senior leadership roles, among others.
“We champion DEI in the workplace not just to shape a more sustainable future for SM, but also to reflect our commitment to positively impact our stakeholders and the communities we serve,” Uychaco added.
60-percent women
In 2022, women made up over 60 percent of the total workforce across the SM group. This inclusive trend extended across all levels of employment, from rank-and-file positions to senior management, where women held 60 percent of the leadership roles.
Uychaco previously signed on as an individual supporter of the UN Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs) in 2021 and was awarded as a UN WEP leader. The WEPs, developed by the UN in 2010, are designed to offer guidance to businesses on how to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace and community.
The group’s diversity officer also leads the Felicidad Sy Sunshine Place, which offers comprehensive and enriching programs for seniors.
Additionally, SM Supermalls and SM Investments joined over 3,000 businesses as signatories to the UN WEPs in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
The group’s reporting progress on the UN WEPs will be featured as part of this year’s Integrated Report, alongside progress reports on the UN Sustainability Development Goals, UN Global Compact, and UN ARISE, of which the group is also a supporter and signatory. —CONTRIBUTED
