BIZ BUZZ: Hybrid work at top employer bank

Recognition feels a bit more special when it comes from your own employees. At least that must be how it felt for Frederick Dy’s Security Bank Corp., which was named the leading domestic bank in the 2023 Philippines’ Best Employers survey put together by the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Statista.

The market intelligence platform gathered data using anonymous surveys that reached 11,000 employees to come up with the top 300 employers in the country.

Security Bank emerged as the No. 1 local lender and No. 60 when compared to other companies in different categories.

Nerissa Berba, senior vice president and head of human capital management at Security Bank, said the recognition affirmed their broader goal “to become the ‘employer of choice’ in the country.”

“The bank continues to innovate its people programs to attract, engage, upskill and retain the best talent, as well as foster a strong and distinctive culture among its employees,” she added.

The lender also pointed to new programs that were rolled out during the pandemic to “support the well-being of employees, enrich their learning and development capabilities.”

As on-site office mandates are implemented by other companies, Security Bank underscored a “uniquely” hybrid work setup where many employees are allowed to work from home.

Now, that’s an interesting suggestion for other firms wanting to get on the good side of their workers.

—Miguel R. Camus

New player

The local economy must be showing some good potential if it can attract foreign players to bring their products into the country despite the presence of alternative local products.

We’re talking about Japan’s top oil firm, ENEOS, which has officially entered the Philippines this week.

The official launch happened last week during the InsideRACING Performance and Lifestyle Expo.

Biz Buzz hears that ENEOS actually started setting up here late last year but only had a limited lineup of motorcycle oils. Today, however, Japan’s No. 1 oil firm already has a complete lineup of lubricants for cars and motorcycles and even racing oil, hence the official launch.

Why ENEOS? Well, they’re the preferred motor oil brand of most Japanese customers and they also have a long history of working with champion racers and teams.

Its officials say they see a lot of potential for growth in the country and are looking forward to further expanding their operations in the future.

That, of course, means local brands will be facing more competition going forward, but competition is good—as is the company’s vote of confidence in the prospects of the Philippine market.

—Daxim L. Lucas

Diversity officer

Many Western corporations have long practiced appointing “chief diversity officers” to ensure equal opportunities for all people regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, age, religion, economic stratus or disabilities. Such consciousness has reverberated in the increasingly “woke” Western movies and TV series today.

For its part, leading conglomerate SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) has signed on as a supporter of the United Nations Global Compact Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs), joining over 3,000 other business leaders around the world.

SMIC has also appointed Elizabeth Anne “Lizanne” Uychaco as its first group diversity officer, tasked to advance gender equality and champion inclusion.

“We celebrate diversity and inclusion in SM Group as it reflects the broad individualities in the communities we serve. Moreover, diversity and inclusion ensure innovation in our businesses. When we recognize that people are unique individuals, we explore more options, generating a wider range of user-centric services and offers,” Uychaco said.

In 2021, Uychaco signed on as an individual supporter of the UN WEP, which offers guidance to businesses on how to promote gender equality and women empowerment in the workplace, marketplace and community.

Uychaco is concurrently senior vice president for corporate services at SMIC and represents the conglomerate in investee companies, such as Belle Corp., NEO, Goldilocks Bakeshop, Brownies Unlimited Inc., ACE Hardware Philippines and dorm chain operator Philippines Urban Living Solutions. She also leads the Felicidad Sy Sunshine Place, which offers “comprehensive and enriching” programs for seniors.

About 63 percent of SMIC’s employees are women and 58 percent are in senior leadership roles.

—Doris Dumlao-Abadilla INQ