Smart is #1 workplace in Asia
Wireless services leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) was named the "Best Place to Work" among Asian telecommunication companies during the Asia Communication Awards (ACA) ceremony held recently in Singapore.
Smart's victory was based on the results of a survey conducted by the ACA among employees of different companies in the region. The survey tackled employment practices, internal communications, remuneration, perks, employee diversity, and corporate social responsibility programs.
Organized annually by Londonbased industry publication Total Telecom, the ACA recognizes outstanding performance by Asian carriers, multimedia content providers, vendors, and other communication service providers.
During the ACA ceremony last June 19, Smart also received the Best Content Service award for Spinnr, an application that allows Smart subscribers to stream and download up to 3 million songs, and pay for their transactions via prepaid load deductions or postpaid credits. Smart won the award based on votes from a panel of industry experts.
Tough industry to work in
Telecommunications is known to be a tough industry to work in because of its extremely fast-paced and highly evolving nature. Telcos all over the world are undergoing transformation as traditional communication intersects with digital services.
Smart has been involved in massive business and organization changes for the past couple of years, and this has posed a challenge to everyone in the company - how to balance future-proofing plans with ensuring business as usual.
"How our employees have kept their engagement level high during our transformation period makes this recognition as Best Place to Work even more meaningful for us. It takes a certain kind of tenacity, maturity, and a strong sense of purpose to thrive in this kind of environment. We are proud to have this kind of people in the company," said Annette Santiago, head of Smart's People Group.
Employee development and growth
Santiago said Smart has invested heavily in upgrading the skills of its 5,000-strong workforce. Benchmark data from the American Association of Training and Development show that Smart's training hours and training investment are at par with the global standard.
This emphasis on skills development has apparently paid off, as 73% of Smart's managers are homegrown talents who started out as staff members or supervisors.
Anchoring on the principle that at least 70% of learning happens on the job, Smart is now focusing on developing its leaders as coaches and mentors. Through Smart University, Smart's cross-functional learning and development umbrella program, leaders and subject matter experts will undergo internal faculty and in-house coach certifications.
Holistic wellness
Smart does not stop at enhancing the work-related skills of its employees. For two years now, the company has been implementing the "Live Well, Live More" program to promote holistic wellness among its employees. The company has organized a series of wellness activities including sports festivals, workout sessions, and wellness seminars.
Smart also encourages its employees to join any of the 22 internal clubs that cater to their different interests. These include the triathlon group called Smart Infinity TriTeam, Smart Ultimate, the Catholic organization Serve, Readto-be-Smart, the Photography Club, Smart Street Dance Crew, Smart Moms Club, and Smart CollectiClub.
"We prioritize the well-being of our employees because they are the most valuable assets of the company," Santiago said. "A healthy and happy workforce is a productive workforce. By helping Smart employees achieve wellness and work-life balance, we are arming them with the energy and motivation to better serve the 55 million subscribers who continue to trust Smart for their communication needs."
Spirit of volunteerism
Smart employees are also motivated to go beyond serving fellow Filipinos in their professional capacities. The company grants community service leave credits to encourage its people to do volunteer work.
This spirit of volunteerism was put into motion when super typhoon Yolanda struck central Philippines last year. The day after Yolanda made landfall, a group of Smart volunteers flew to the hardest hit areas and set up libreng tawag (free call) stations to allow survivors to communicate with their loved ones.
Smart engineers, some of whom were disaster casualties themselves, went beyond the call of duty, working day and night to restore network services in areas where these had been rendered unavailable.
Employees have also participated in Brigada Eskwala activities, which help transform schools into places conducive for learning, coastal cleanups, tree-planting activities, and pledge runs for various advocacies.
Equal opportunity employer
Moreover, Smart is providing people with disabilities (PWD) with gainful job opportunities and an inclusive work environment. In 2012 it hired Rhea Guntalilib, a computer programmer who is blind, and organized a PWD sensitivity training for her teammates.
To make it easier for Guntalilib to find her work station by herself, Smart placed rubber floor markings from the elevator to her terminal. The company also allows Guntalilib to use a computer software that reads aloud what is typed on her screen. This helps her code programs for mobile phone transactions.
Guntalilib's team also devised a buddy system, wherein one person is assigned per day to assist her if needed.
Multi-awarded employer
Smart's ACA recognition is not the first award it has received for its efforts as an exemplary employer. In 2004, Smart was recognized as Best Employer by Hewitt Asia. Its Live Well, Live More program, online employee magazine SmartSpeak, and Ideate portal for employees have received several citations at the Anvil Awards and the Philippine Quill Awards, local awards programs for outstanding business communication.
Smart also received an honorable mention in the Best Place to Work category in last year's edition of the ACA.