By: Mio Flores
Upon the local government’s announcement last March 16, 2020, Reed Elsevier Philippines-Iloilo transformed within just 4 days from a facility-centric to a home-based operation, with 98.5% of its workforce working from the safety and security of their homes just a day before the Executive Order placing Iloilo City under Enhanced Community Quarantine took effect. This was made possible because of the dedicated team members and volunteers who managed the encoding, equipment checking, configuration, packing, and deployment (up until delivery) of all work from home equipment.
Reed Elsevier Philippines’ mission and purpose holds true in its commitment to deliver exceptional outcomes for the business and its customers. Its core values remain the fundamental truth and moral compass in guiding the company through uncertainty and in overcoming the different challenges everyone is facing today. Reed Elsevier Philippines upholds VALUING WHAT MATTERS, especially during this unprecedented time.
Here are the actions taken by Reed Elsevier Philippines to support their team members and the community.
DEVELOP AND COMMUNICATE SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES
Working from home posed a challenge to the organization, mostly to their employees. Several policies and enhancements were rolled out to make working from home as convenient as possible. These enhancements include the implementation of the pro-rated 13th-month advance payment option; advanced employees’ paid time off (PTO) credits; fully enabled employees for WFH; and enhanced facilities and HR policies, and measures to supplement the security and safety needs of the workforce.
PROTECTING THE WELL-BEING OF EMPLOYEES
To help employees maintain their health and wellbeing while working from home, Reed Elsevier Philippines launched several online wellbeing programs/ activities such as regular Mental Health seminars in partnership with HMO providers, HR Helpdesk to assist the physical well-being of employees; Virtual Fitness Classes, Lunch and Learn sessions on relevant topics, and social media contests with themes to engage a fun virtual working environment.
THE RESULTS
For the past years, the top source of hires has consistently been from employee referrals. The employees are the real ambassadors and the link to the world! This reflects that they believe in the company and would like to share the experience of a good working environment, competitive compensation & benefits package, and career opportunities with their family and friends.
Reed Elsevier Philippines received several industry recognitions which is reflective of the company’s efforts to be the employer of choice. Jobstreet Philippines named Reed Elsevier Philippines as one of its Hero Employers that served as hope and inspiration in the industry due to the work from home (WFH) response and benefits provided to employees during the pandemic.
The World HRD Congress recognized Reed Elsevier Philippines as one of the recipients of the Global Best Employer Brand Award. This award is given to organizations who showed exemplary practices in Human Resources and used marketing communications effectively for Human Resources Development. Some of the key criteria assessed are initiatives in translating and combining vision with action, with HR Strategy, and by cultivating competencies for the future to enable building the organization to be future-ready.
The company is also recognized as Best Employee Engagement Company of the Year. This award is presented to organizations for creative and innovative employee engagement initiatives that successfully ensure the continuing commitment of employees towards the organization. All these accolades received signifies that Reed Elsevier Philippines focuses on delivering its business objectives, at the same time prioritizes the development, health and safety of its people.
