Top employer in Philippines achieves global standard in workplace gender equality

(The Philippine Star), Feb 5, 2018

MANILA, Philippines — Top business process outsourcing company Convergys Philippines, with its 60,000-strong workforce, became the first in its industry to gain international certification on workplace gender equality. It is also just the second company in the country to achieve it.

The certification, called Economic Dividends for Gender Equality or EDGE, is a world-leading system designed to help companies create an optimal workplace for women and men. It currently operates in over 170 organizations in over 48 countries.

Widely regarded as the global standard, EDGE ensures that certified organizations have a structured, systematic approach to measure, track and close the workplace gender gap. The extensive process, which includes an external audit and employee survey, was completed in two months.

“Through this EDGE certification achieved by the Philippines team, we are able to show that an individual’s capabilities and talents are not valued through the filter of their gender, but through the caliber of performance they produce. This not only enables us to attract and retain talent, but it is also a way to make a lasting and collective difference,” said Ivic Mueco, Convergys president for Asia-Pacific.
Among EDGE’s many findings was that Convergys Philippines has equal gender representation in all employee levels, with almost half of in-country leadership positions all the way to the executive committee being occupied by women.

The company was also lauded for its recruiting policies and practices and for promoting an inclusive workplace.

“Both our male and female colleagues believe they are treated fairly and that there is equal opportunity for all. This validation from our people is both encouraging and humbling — and we work tirelessly each day to make Convergys Philippines an organization we can all be proud of,” Mueco said.

Convergys Philippines is a pioneering member of a group of companies forming the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (PBCWE). It is in this perspective that the local team pursued EDGE certification, while committing to champion meritocracy and maintain a fair working environment for its people.