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"By elevating the role of HR, we can collectively contribute to creating more inclusive, adaptive, and resilient workplaces that not only attract top talent but also empower employees to thrive," Melisa B. Cruz, HR & General Services Head, shares.
Amidst a rapidly changing working world, Qi Philippines, Inc. realised the importance of a strategy that not only attracts top talent, but also retains and nurtures them. After all, the right people strategy also leads to overall organisational growth.
The business case was clear: by investing in its people and instilling a mindset of volunteerism, the organisation would then be able to enhance productivity, reduce turnover, and create a culture of continuous learning and service.
"By focusing on servant leadership development, employee wellbeing, and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, we aimed to empower our employees to reach their full potential," Melisa B. Cruz, HR & General Services Head, Qi Philippines, shares.
Driven by this spirit, the team has since won the silver award for 'Excellence in Employee Volunteerism' at the HR Excellence Awards 2024, Philippines.
In lieu of the win, Melisa shares how the organisation created a resilient workforce that continues to thrive in today’s hybrid model.
Q What was the motivation that sparked your passion & business case for pursuing your outstanding people strategy?
Our passion for pursuing an outstanding people strategy was sparked by the realisation that our people are the key drivers of our success. In a rapidly changing business environment, we needed a strategy that not only attracted top talent but also retained and nurtured them. We recognised that a strong people strategy would lead to higher employee engagement, innovation, and overall organisational growth.
The business case was clear: investing in our people and instilling a mindset of volunteerism would enhance productivity, reduce turnover, and create a culture of continuous learning and service. By focusing on servant leadership development, employee wellbeing, and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, we aimed to empower our employees to reach their full potential. This approach not only aligned with our long-term business goals but also reinforced our commitment to being an employer of choice in our industry.
Q Looking back, can you share a challenge that you overcame in your journey of HR excellence? How did you triumph?
During the pandemic, one of our biggest challenges was quickly adapting to a remote work environment while maintaining employee engagement and productivity. As we transitioned to a hybrid working arrangement, we faced additional hurdles in ensuring equitable access to resources, fostering collaboration, and maintaining company culture across both remote and in-office teams.
To overcome these challenges, we implemented flexible policies that accommodated individual needs and circumstances, such as providing home office setups and mental health support. We also leveraged technology to facilitate communication and collaboration, ensuring that all employees, regardless of location, felt connected and included.
By being agile, empathetic, and transparent in our approach, we navigated the challenges of the pandemic and created a resilient, adaptable work environment that continues to thrive in today’s hybrid model.
Q Beyond the recognition, what impact do you hope your feature in the HR Excellence Awards would have on the HR community and manpower landscape?
Beyond the recognition, I hope our feature in the HR Excellence Awards serves as a catalyst for positive change within the HR community and the broader manpower landscape. By showcasing our innovative strategies and the tangible results we've achieved, I aim to inspire other HR professionals to adopt more people-centric approaches that prioritise employee wellbeing, diversity, and continuous development.
I also hope our success story encourages organisations to view HR as a strategic partner in driving business outcomes, rather than just a support function. By elevating the role of HR, we can collectively contribute to creating more inclusive, adaptive, and resilient workplaces that not only attract top talent but also empower employees to thrive.
Ultimately, I want our recognition to spark conversations, share best practices, and foster a community of HR leaders dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in people management.
Q Could you share some advice you would give to others aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
For those aspiring to follow in my footsteps, my top advice would be:
- Stay curious and keep learning: Embrace a mindset of continuous learning. Stay updated with industry trends and seek opportunities for growth.
- Build strong networks: Connect with professionals in your field. Networking can provide valuable insights, opportunities, and support.
- Set clear goals: Define what you want to achieve and create a roadmap to reach those goals. Regularly review and adjust your plan as needed.
- Be resilient: Challenges and setbacks are part of the journey. Learn from them and use them as stepping stones to improve and advance.
- Find a mentor: Having someone with experience can offer guidance, encouragement, and a different perspective on your career path.
Pursue your passion with dedication, and success will follow.
Q Let's talk inspiration! Who has been a driving force behind your success?
A major driving force behind my success has been my manager, Ms. Miriam Lagdameo. Her leadership and unwavering support have been crucial to my development. She challenged me to push beyond my limits and provided constructive feedback that helped refine my skills. Her belief in my abilities motivated me to take on new responsibilities and pursue growth opportunities.
Additionally, our founders, Dato Sri Vijay Eswaran and Mr. Joseph Bismark, have inspired me with their remarkable achievements and innovative thinking. Their dedication to their field and commitment to making a difference have been a guiding light in my career.
Ms. Lagdameo, and Dato Sri Vijay Eswaran, and Mr. Bismark have shown me the value of perseverance and the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences. Their impact has been profound, shaping my approach to challenges and encouraging me to continuously strive for excellence.
Read more interviews on why organisations have won trophies for their HR practices - head over to our Winning Secrets section!
Lead image / Provided
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