MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Workplace culture, the shared values, attitudes, and belief systems of people in any organization, plays an essential role in the lives of today’s professionals. Organizations that enrich and constantly uphold a positive workplace culture understand that people who feel connected to their colleagues as well as to the organization’s values are more likely to thrive, have an overall positive experience at work, and feel a greater sense of purpose and belonging.
At EY Global Delivery Services (EY GDS), a highly integrated growing network of service delivery centers that provides strategic services to EY member firms, its professionals can make a significant impact. They have the opportunity to become their best selves in an environment that nurtures, develops, and celebrates them. They are provided meaningful opportunities to grow and to use their unique skills to bring to life the EY purpose of building a better working world.
Rooted in the culture of EY GDS is a commitment to the personal and collective growth of its people. EY GDS strongly believes in the transformative power of continuous development, nurturing a space where individuals can cultivate a “better me” mindset as well as a collaborative “better us” environment. The impactful and people-centered programs at EY GDS help unlock their full potential, work harmoniously and create a meaningful impact toward building a better working world. This allows them to create and curate exceptional experiences and contribute to building enriching and rewarding careers.
Creating a culture of wellbeing
“I have worked in several organizations abroad and in Manila, but never at one with such a positive work culture as EY,” said Frances Irene Kirchhoff from the EY GDS Philippines Tax team. “This organization is truly committed to the concept of building a better working world, and the investment in its people is something that I haven’t experienced at any other workplace.”
Frances illustrates this by describing the help she received when her disability forced her to take a month off work in 2021. “EY GDS gave me all the support I needed at this difficult time, and my positive outlook about my organization was further reinforced. Also, as a solo parent, I must attend to my children’s needs often, for which I require a highly flexible work schedule. And I have always been fully supported by the organization in such challenging times.”
Emile Therese Garcia, Enablement Services Talent Consultant at EY GDS Philippines said, “The EY organization has a very inclusive, caring and empowering work culture. Everyone from the leaders to the freshers are supportive and respectful.”
It isn’t only about work; wellness initiatives and the focus on people’s wellbeing are key to this sentiment among its people. For example, the launch of an ecookbook saw tremendous participation from EY GDS professionals. It featured nutritious, easy-to-make recipes shared by GDS professionals to help team members prepare quick meals on the go and stay healthy.
The e-cookbook project is just one of the several initiatives promoting wellbeing and celebrating individuals’ interests and talents. “While appearing to be a fun project, the e-cookbook was also a collaboration effort that allowed us to gain insights into different people’s mindsets and experiences towards food, nutrition, and health. Creating and completing the e-cookbook has been a worthwhile experience for our team. We’re proud of what we have accomplished,” shared Arby Palamos, Creative Services Supervising Associate at EY GDS Philippines.
Driving change through better conversations
Another important aspect of the EY GDS workplace culture is how each person’s individuality is supported and celebrated. The EY Unity employee network is the driving force behind promoting dialogue and a better understanding of what Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity (DE&I) mean in EY.
“I receive ample support in bringing my authentic self to the workplace. The internal policies and efforts on continuous DE&I awareness through educational discussions and employee resource groups are very visible. These programs are also heavily driven by the people I work with,” shared Sheila Pepito, Travel, Meetings, and Events Operations, and Supplier Manager at EY GDS Philippines.
Together with Unity network members, Pepito organizes awareness programs like Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE) sessions, safe space conversations featuring members of the LGBT+ community and speakers from the company’s leadership team, and HIV/AIDS awareness sessions with external resource speakers. The team recently hosted an organization-wide film festival where professionals combined their creativity with their personal advocacy to produce original short films.
Nitin Dhavale, EY GDS Philippines Location Leader, said, “From our perspective, it’s vital for EY GDS to build a culture that values all dimensions of diversity. This culture allows us to shape an environment where everyone thrives and can freely access opportunities to learn, grow, and advance in their careers. This is when people experience a true sense of belonging.”
Finding a higher purpose at work
EY GDS assigns great value to supporting people to create a positive impact and build a meaningful career that is linked with their personal purpose.
Charmaine Tan, Consulting Senior Staff at EY GDS Philippines, shared what it was like to help organize a volunteering project called Project Hope, which was aimed at supporting children in need. The project was organized together by the EY GDS Corporate Responsibility team and Virlanie Foundation: “Project Hope allowed me to meet, collaborate with, and learn from different people inside and outside the EY organization. With this experience, I’ve realized that every person has a story. This story can give new insights about yourself and the world. It impacts volunteers’ and beneficiaries’ lives for the better.”
Ida Clarize Agustin, Consulting Assistant at EY GDS Philippines, added, “This is also why I urge people to volunteer. You have the power to change lives, but it can also change you.” Agustin also shared how volunteering has positively affected her work life. “It has helped me become a better leader and team player. It has made me more empathetic to everyone’s battles. It made me want to build a better world – inside and outside of the workplace.”
“EY GDS has a range of networks supporting various causes and passions important to our professionals. The role of the EY leadership is to support people in pursuing opportunities that help them discover their purpose and build an EY experience that truly fulfills them. Because, when we help EY people feel fulfilled in other areas of their lives, the organization thrives,” Nitin said.
Be part of building a better working world with EY GDS Philippines. To learn more, visit here
