PLDT, Smart named among world’s leading employers

MANILA, Philippines — PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. have been named among the Top One Percent of Leading Employers of 2023 by German firm Institute of Research and Data Aggregation.

Only top 800 companies globally were certified as leading employers after the Hamburg-based firm evaluated a total of 85,000 firms and analyzed 7.9 million meta data gathered from global and web sources.

“This recognition highlights our commitment to excellence, which manifests in the quality of our network, our world-class products and services, and the dedication of our people. It inspires us to continue making meaningful connections possible and providing lasting value to our customers,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman and CEO of PLDT and Smart.

The independent global study evaluated companies based on employer brand attractiveness, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices; environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors; innovation; overall employee well-being, and external talent communication and satisfaction reviews online, among others.

“We are honored for being recognized as one of the world’s leading employers. The results of this independent global study inspire us and strengthen our conviction, in making PLDT and Smart a workplace where employees are empowered to do meaningful work and deliver results,” said Gina Ordoñez, SVP and chief people officer of PLDT and Smart.

Since 2017, the Institute of Research and Data Aggregation has been conducting an independent study and meta-analysis of historical and current data, with the aim of identifying the world’s leading employers.

According to its CEO, Lindi Utter, the study aims not only to identify good employers, but also to use the knowledge gathered in making employers even better for the people they work with.

“This is a reflection of a year of purpose-driven and meaningful work of our leaders and employees. We will continue to focus on creating an inclusive workplace and capability-building efforts centered on our people, as we strive to build a great workplace that our employees are proud of and that future talents can aspire to join,” said Gail Mercado, FVP for talent at PLDT and Smart.

This latest recognition reinforces PLDT and Smart’s goal of boosting its standing as a premier workplace in the Philippines, with a workforce of over 14,000 people serving millions of customers and partners across the country and beyond.

The integrated telco recently embarked on an organizational transformation journey in support of this aspiration, following a roadmap of initiatives designed to cultivate talent and maximize the potential of its employees, build a purpose-driven culture and promote new ways of working.