Top PH employers notch high engagement score

The “best” corporate employers in the Philippines scored an average of 87 percent in employee engagement, which means they are able to ignite passion and commitment among their employees and inspire them to put extra effort into their work.

In general, however, the employee engagement level in the Philippines is 65 percent, with the younger Filipino employees—born after 1991 or the so-called millennials—being the least engaged at the workplace, based on a research unveiled by global professional services firm Aon.

These key insights seem to indicate an urgent need for employers to transform their people practices.

Using what it claims to be the “most comprehensive” and “first of its kind” employer benchmarking study in Philippines, Aon also announced the six best employers in this market.

These are: American Express International Inc.; DHL Express Philippines Corp.; Home Credit, Philippines; InterContinental Hotels Group; Marriott International and Sodexo Benefits & Rewards Services.

In additional, four organizations received special recognition. Federal Express Pacific LLC bagged two special citations: “commitment to leadership” and “commitment to high performance culture; while Golden Arches Development Corp., the master franchise-holder for McDonald’s fast-food chain, also bagged two: “commitment to Gen Y” and “commitment to employer brand.”

Leading condiments maker NutriAsia Inc. was given a citation for “commitment to women” while business process outsourcing operator Telus International Philippines Inc. bagged “commitment to engagement.”

The assessment was based on a data-driven methodology and winners were selected on achieving high levels of employee engagement, compelling employer brand, effective leadership and a culture of high performance.

With half of the total working population below 34 years, the Philippines is home to one of the world’s youngest employee populations.

Although a strong economic advantage to the country, this changing talent landscape is seen presenting challenges in attracting and retaining talent for employers.

CEOs cite rising salaries, poor availability and selection of talent, and inadequate leadership pipeline as the top three people risks that hold back their organization’s success.

Aon’s “Best Employers,” however, garnered an exceptional engagement score of 87 percent.

Iris Anne Hamada, senior consultant and “Best Employers” project Manager for Aon Hewitt Philippines, said: “The Aon Best Employers program gives HR (human resources) and business leaders a clear view of where they stand in the market when it comes to selecting, developing and retaining employees. With access to data and insights, they can make better people decisions that achieve organizational goals while meeting employee expectations.”

Prashant Chadha, Managing Director, Aon Hewitt Malaysia & Philippines, added: “When organizations have high engagement levels, employees say good things about working there, strive harder in their jobs, and stay for the long term. With the onset of a multigenerational workforce, employee expectations are varied and evolving, making it challenging for organizations to keep them engaged. Forward thinking organizations combine rigorous data, survey science and powerful technology to transform employee experience and accelerate growth.”