MANILA, PHILIPPINES – In today’s generation of jobseekers who value finding meaning at work, having an inclusive work environment has become an equally critical factor in choosing their potential company. At EY Global Delivery Services (GDS) Philippines, embracing Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness (DE&I) is more than just a corporate mandate — it’s the heartbeat of their organizational culture.
The organization is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that respects and values the diversity of its professionals, including gender equality, support for different family structures, accommodation for persons with disabilities and the inclusion of neurodiverse talents. In the organization’s most recent employee survey, 88% of EY GDS Philippines professionals agree that they feel free to be themselves in the organization.
Opening minds and opportunities
As EY GDS advocates fostering an inclusive workplace where every person feels valued and empowered, the LGBT+ and allies employee resource group, Unity Network, plays a pivotal role in spearheading employee engagement activities that underscore this commitment, most notably during June or what is known as Pride Month in the Philippines.
“Diversity, equity and inclusiveness are core to the identity of EY GDS. The organization holds a collective commitment to foster an environment where all differences are valued, practices are equitable, and sense of belonging is experienced by everyone. I believe diverse viewpoints are the catalysts that lead to better questions and better answers. That’s when creative ideas flow, igniting innovation and inspiring more effective solutions,” said Dench Decino, EY GDS Talent Services Leader and global GDS DE&I council member.
The Unity Network, especially during Pride Month, hosts several events designed to educate, engage and support EY professionals, such as educational sessions on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC), talks to raise awareness about HIV prevention and treatment, onsite rapid HIV screening to provide accessible health services and an annual short film festival. These events are made possible through collaboration across EY GDS Philippines’ service lines and with external organizations such as the Philippine Financial & Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP) and LoveYourself.
“Promoting better conversations on DE&I is part of our daily lives. Pride Month is an important time for us at the Unity Network as we celebrate diverse backgrounds and honor the progress we’ve been making toward equality for LGBT+. Throughout the month, we hosted events and discussions, participated in external activities and promoted workplace allyship to help ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all,” said Unity Network Officer Sheila Pepito, who is also the Travel, Meetings & Events Operations and Supplier Manager at EY Asia-Pacific.
The dedication to DE&I
EY GDS remains strongly committed to equal opportunity and is integrating DE&I into all processes, from recruitment to assignments, from career management to recognitions. This broad approach helps in ensuring that inclusiveness and equity are not just temporary initiatives but sustained efforts that are integrated into every aspect of the organization.
“EY GDS recognizes the diversity of family structures and strives to support all the professionals through flexible working arrangements, family leave policies and benefits that cater to the needs of different types of families, including single parents, same-sex couples and adoptive parents,” said Linda Wang, EY GDS Philippines Talent Location Leader.
The organization is dedicated to creating an accessible and accommodating workplace for individuals with disabilities. This includes providing reasonable accommodations, accessible facilities, and technology that supports the productivity and inclusion of professionals with disabilities. EY GDS professionals also engage in awareness and education initiatives to foster an understanding and supportive culture.
The EY organization values the unique perspectives and skills that neurodiverse individuals bring to the workplace. The organization has programs in place to recruit, support and develop the talents of individuals with neurodiversity and cognitive differences. These programs are designed to leverage the strengths of neurodiverse professionals and integrate them into the workforce effectively.
Be part of building a better working world with EY GDS Philippines. To learn more, visit the official website: https://www.ey.com/en_ph/careers/global-delivery-services