MANILA. PHILIPPINES — Unilever Philippines, a global consumer goods company and home to many well-loved brands such as Cream Silk, Knorr, Rexona, Surf, and Selecta ice cream, has long been committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels valued.
“At Unilever, our Equity ambition is to unlimit people’s potential. We aim to bring down the barriers that limit people. It starts with having deep empathy that not everyone gets to start from the same place, and then leading by example with intentional people & workplace practices that offer equitable opportunities,” said Geeta Royyuru, Unilever Philippines HR Head and B&W SEA HR Lead.
Expanded maternity and paternity leave
In 2017, Unilever Philippines introduced a 120-day expanded maternity benefit and 30-day paternity, far surpassing what is required by Philippine law. Unilever’s progressive policies recognizes the importance of supporting parents during a critical phase of their lives.
“I’m really proud to be part of Unilever and am lucky that the company has seen and supported me through different life stages – from entering as a single mid-career hire to getting married to now having 2 children,” shared Kay Veloso, B&W SEA Growth Media & Performance Lead.
Supporting adoptive parents
Unilever understands that families come in various forms. To accommodate adoptive parents, the company grants paid absence to those adopting a child aged six months and below. This compassionate policy reflects Unilever’s commitment to supporting employees in their personal lives, allowing them to be their best selves both at home and in the workplace.
Inclusive healthcare policy
Unilever Philippines goes beyond legal obligations by implementing a Domestic Partner Policy. This policy allows partners of employees, regardless of gender, to be enrolled as beneficiaries and granting them access to healthcare benefits. By recognizing diverse family structures, Unilever ensures that all employees, regardless of their union, receive equitable treatment.
proUd network: empowering LGBTQ+ colleagues
Unilever’s proUd network is an example of the company’s commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion. Since its inception in 2018, the global proUd network has grown exponentially, now comprising over 1,300 colleagues across 20 local networks worldwide. These passionate individuals work collaboratively to level the playing field for LGBTQ+ colleagues, advocating for equal rights, representation, and acceptance.
Creating safe spaces in the workplace
Unilever Philippines takes practical steps to create an inclusive physical environment. Gender-neutral restrooms are available to employees, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and respected. A nursing facility is also present onsite for nursing mothers. By providing these facilities, Unilever fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance, regardless of gender identity and life stage.
Malasakit: A core value
At the heart of Unilever Philippines’ approach is the Filipino value of malasakit, which translates to compassion and care. This value extends beyond business operations; it encompasses how Unilever treats its employees and their families. By upholding malasakit, Unilever demonstrates its commitment to respect, dignity, and empathy.
Richard Velasquez, Home Care SEA and Philippines Head of Customer Strategy & Planning at Unilever mentioned how they keep respect and inclusivity alive at work, and for consumers. “Our goal is to make sure that tasks as trivial as doing your laundry or cleaning your toilet are a delightful experience. That means keeping the shopper at the heart of everything we do. To do that, we need to make sure we know all our shoppers, not just a few. And I think that is inclusivity in action – knowing, understanding, and respecting the needs of your consumers and shoppers and finding ways to delight them,” he said.
Richard added that “this mindset is very much alive in Unilever. All of us here are different and unique in our own ways, but we always foster a culture of knowing, understanding, and respecting each other and finding ways to listen to each other’s needs. And we do it effortlessly. In-Home Care, everyone is authentic and respectful. It is always a safe space to be your authentic self. And because of that, I am not just proud to be part of this company, but I also feel at home.”
A better, more inclusive world
Unilever Philippines stands as a beacon of equity and inclusion, championing LGBTQ+ rights, family support, and safe spaces within the workplace. As the company continues to evolve, its commitment to ED&I remains unwavering—a testament to Unilever’s commitment to a better, more inclusive world.
Learn more about Unilever Philippines by visiting the official website here and following them on Facebook.
