Toth
You don’t get named “Best Company to Work for” by the Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability Awards for three straight years if you do not do right by your employees.
But for Concentrix Philippines, treating their workers well is not just about awards—although Elek Toth, country leader, would not mind getting the recognition for the fourth time.
Being in the business process—or call center, as most Filipinos know it—industry, Toth is well aware that human resource is his company’s most valuable asset. And he makes sure he protects this asset and gives it the importance it deserves.
“A big part of our culture—a top priority—is keeping our employees motivated and enthusiastic,” Toth says. “Our frontline is integral to [our] success.”
In keeping its employees happy, Concentrix Philippines, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortune 200 Synnex Corp., does not just consider financial benefits. A big part of its efforts to do right by its staff is to ensure they work in an environment that promotes and enhances creativity, efficiency and effectiveness.
Concentrix Philippines’ new offices at EXXA Tower in Bridgetown in Ugong Norte, Quezon City, is a testament to this commitment to make the employees’ welfare and well-being the centerpiece of the way it does business.
“We want an office that will make people happy to report for work,” Toth says.
Convenience is also a major consideration. Toth points out that the company’s offices are in the suburbs, as close as possible to where employees live so the commute will be easier and less stressful.
“We refuse to skimp on investment [for the offices]. [The workers’] experience is everything,” he stresses.
For the Bridgetown offices, every effort was made to meet actual needs and anticipate future requirements. Concentrix, which occupies seven floors of EXXA Tower, has provided facilities to make the working environment pleasant and comfortable. It uses both modern technology and old-fashioned person-to-person interaction to add to the rewarding Concentrix experience.
Top performers get their reward from an automated dispenser while collaboration and cooperation are encouraged through open work stations and a spacious operations area with collaboration corners and comfortable meeting rooms. Shower rooms are available and Toth says the company has “nongender specific” bathroom facilities.
If employees are into music, particularly karaoke, private acoustic spaces let employees de-stress by exercising their vocal cords. A mobile laboratory and learning pods allow for quite time to gain knowledge, incubate ideas and flesh out creative thoughts.
Although EXXA Tower has restaurants at the ground level, Concentrix has four canteen concessionaires to feed employees. Toth says Concentrix offices should have at least two food vendors for competition to assure quality. Meals are subsidized so “employees can eat right,” as they want to encourage healthy living, says Toth. Microwave ovens are available for those who bring their own food, or “baon.”
Concentrix also offers services that take care of the employees’ health. Nurses work in shifts to keep the clinic open 24/7. Lactation rooms are available to nursing mothers and a child care center lets employees’ children engage in games or work on puzzles under the supervision of a trained professional.
If work keeps employees from getting their hair and nails done, Concentrix has a salon for the grooming services they require. A gym and activity room let employees work on being physically fit.
Concentrix also takes extra care to keep its employees safe and secure. While guards provide security in the office, Toth says they provide safety training and conduct self-defense training for employees. A sleeping lounge lets employees stay in the office if going home may be risky.
Toth realizes that maintaining the workplace quality that made it the “best company to work for” the past three years is not easy.
“The challenge is going ahead and maintaining that level,” he says.