All about people: How Reed Elsevier Philippines remains an employer of choice

In recognition of its commitment to employees and a relentless pursuit of fostering an inclusive, supportive, and inspiring work environment, Reed Elsevier Philippines (REPH) picked up the Employer of Choice award, sponsored by CIPD, at HR Fest Awards 2023.

One of the key reasons for REPH’s success as an employer of choice can be attributed to its comprehensive approach to talent management. The global provider of information and analytics solutions believes that the success of an organisation is directly linked to the happiness, satisfaction, and growth of its employees.

In an interview with HRM Magazine Asia, Kat Ledesma, HR and Iloilo Site Lead at REPH, elaborated, “Receiving the Employer of Choice award is a humbling experience which reaffirms our commitment to valuing what matters—our people. We firmly believe that a successful organisation is built on the foundation of its employees’ happiness, growth, and wellbeing. This award serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication we have put into creating an inclusive, supportive, and inspiring work environment.”

With the focus on their people, REPH invests in extensive training and development programmes tailored to meet the specific needs and aspirations of its talented workforce. By providing access to continuous learning opportunities, Ledesma is confident that employees are empowered to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the organisation’s success. For instance, REPH has consolidated all learning academies into One REPH University, which nurtures talent and equips professionals with futureready skills across diverse industries.

Fostering a culture of innovation is another key aspect of REPH’s approach to becoming an employer of choice. The organisation empowers employeeled initiatives, supports continuous learning, promotes cross-functional collaboration, provides recognition and rewards, organises innovation workshops and events, and collaborates with external partners. This culture of innovation, according to Ledesma, enables the organisation to adapt to evolving technology and enhance the customer experience through more efficient processes.

“Currently, we have more than 800 Certified Lean Six Sigma practitioners, accounting for approximately 17% of our total REPH population. These practitioners have successfully delivered substantial savings from completed projects in 2022 alone,” she said.

Employee engagement is a top priority at REPH, and the organisation has implemented various initiatives and strategies to foster a sense of belonging and commitment among its employees. REPH’s employee value proposition, Valuing What Matters, creates a fun, engaged, and professional culture that attracts, develops, and retains a talented workforce, Ledesma added. Activities such as team-building events, sports festivals, year-end parties, employee appreciation weeks, Halloween celebrations, and family days contribute to employee wellness and interaction.

In addition to these activities, REPH fosters inclusivity, respect, and empowerment, creating an employeecentric environment where diverse perspectives thrive, as she concluded, “Diversity is our strength, not just a buzzword. We celebrate individuality, ensuring every voice is heard and valued. This cultivates a space where diverse perspectives thrive, fostering collaboration and innovation.”

“Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident through employee resource groups like Pride and Women’s Circle. These groups support and empower LGBTQIA++ individuals and women, providing networking, mentorship, and advocacy. We strive to make every employee feel respected and valued. By actively promoting diversity and inclusion, we create an environment where everyone thrives, contributing their unique talents and perspectives.”