PNB employees say bank offers equal employment opportunity

eMployees of philippine national Bank (pnb) helped their employer become the first local universal bank to be certified as gender-equal after receiving its economic Dividends for Gender equality (edge) certification.

Edge is a global assessment methodology and business-certification standard for gender equality, evaluating entities according to gender balance, pay equity, equitable career flows and inclusiveness.

PNB said a major component of the company review is employee survey, which looks into the staff’s experience and perception on bank ’s policies on gender equality.

The survey revealed that 96 percent of the respondents agree that all were given equal opportunities to be hired.

Meanwhile, 74 percent said that they were provided fair opportunities to be promoted.

Majority or over 60 percent of male and female respondents believe that the bank is giving fair wages according to their work.

PNB noted that it is also “generally perceived by both genders that [the bank] gives equal access to careercritical assignments.”

The lucio tan-led bank said that its adoption of the anti-sexual Harassment policy, pursuant to Republic Act 7887 or anti-sexual Harassment act of 1995 and republic act 11313 or the Safe Spaces act 2019, also added merit to pnb’s edge certification.

pnb Chairman Florencia G. tarriela said the bank has been committed in bringing gender equality among work force.

“We aim to identify and develop solutions to address gaps and challenges on gender equality in our employment practices and in the workplace,” she said. “this is in line with our thrust to uphold the sustainability of our business through inward-looking initiatives.” PNB president and Ceo Jose arnulfo a. Veloso, meanwhile, underscored the importance of acknowledging the “pulse” of the employees to have an idea where the bank stands when it comes to gender equality.

“We believe that those who work closer to the ground know best the current reality and they can give us the right kind of information we need to assess our organization,” Veloso said.

pnb shares declined 1.84 percent, or 40 centavos, to settle at p21.30 apiece amid the 1.60-percent rise for the main index on tuesday.