Ready to Shield Their Employees
S&P Global is one of the Philippine companies who is more than ready to protect their employees.
In early January 2020, when Taal Volcano in the province of Batangas, about 50 km south of Manila, erupted, ash fall affected nearby towns all the way to Manila. It became difficult for many people to travel to and from work. S&P Global’s immediate response was to provide their employees with a steady supply of N95 masks, surgical masks, and safety goggles.
Weeks thereafter, when news of the Coronavirus outbreak emerged, having these supplies readily available worked to their advantage. They did not stop there – when President Duterte declared a semi-lockdown policy in February and suggested businesses to adopt a flexible work arrangement, the management team stepped up and advised employees to update their addresses on their respective team directories, in case the situation escalates. They issued generous transportation allowances to encourage employees to avoid mass public transportation. Emails on Coronavirus updates, proper handwashing, and travel and safety reminders were also disseminated, aside from continuing to provide safety masks and alcohol to each employee.
The leaders’ foresight proved fruitful. When the Enhanced Community Quarantine was eventually put in place by mid-March, their IT personnel immediately packed and delivered desktops to their homes, and meticulously assisted in setting these up to ensure that they can comfortably and efficiently work from home. Employees were also issued internet dongles and routers to buffer against poor internet signal.
“The following morning after my PC was delivered, I realized that I no longer have to risk going out and travel to work. There were no words to express the relief I felt given my past history of pneumonia. If the management team acted a little too late, delivery of PCs will not even be possible as a lot of couriers ceased operations after the comprehensive lockdown rules set in. The worst may not be over, but I know we are in good hands with a company that prioritizes employee’s well-being more than anything else. Indeed, S&P Global is truly a great place to work!” -Christine Lynn Sy
“In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I am happy to be in a company that prioritizes first and foremost the safety of its people. Work From Home is now in place as machines were shipped to employees’ homes. Despite the shortage of masks and alcohol due to panic buying, our company is providing both.” – Melody Gulmatico
IT and Facilities teams coordinated to make sure the employees can bring their desktops home.
Setting The Bar For High-Trust Culture
To further support their employees after the government announced a lockdown on March 16, 2020, the S&P Global leadership team launched additional programs, which include a Covid-19 designated microsite that was easily accessible to all employees. The microsite contains global updates about the pandemic and how the company is responding to it.
Putting the employees’ mental and emotional well-being was also a priority focus of S&P Global’s initiatives. They rolled out health support coverage via tele-doctors, gave additional paid sick leave to those who are on self-quarantine or exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, and provided additional paid care leave for everyone who is caring for a sick child or an elder. Mental health and emotional support platforms are also available through a 24-hour Employee Assistance hotline for employees and their dependents. For those who need support as they transition to new ways of working, a LinkedIn Learning tool for stress management is available for them.
To maintain trust and pride within the organization, S&P Global’s leaders believe it is important to provide utmost security for their employees in such difficult circumstances. They are indeed committed to do this not only for their tenured employees but also for those new to the S&P Global family. Despite the limitations brought by the ECQ, the new hires officially joined S&P Global from their original start dates and are compensated even for days when they are unable to render work remotely.
Learning from the challenges brought about by the pandemic, the leadership team and HR are now looking into various strategies for talent acquisition and development, employee engagement, performance and management, to adapt to the “new normal.” They shared, “At the end of the day, S&P Global is committed to the well-being of our employees while keeping in mind our commitment to our clients.”
“Now that I have time to pause and reflect, I would like to thank our company (S&P Global) for their efforts and concern for all the employees. In this crisis, they have shown that they are true to their core values and follow through on their promise of #peoplefirst.” – Glaiza Marie Gagno
Xyris Tapia
Xyris loves to look at life through a broader lens. She is a certified bookworm, occasional writer, intrepid traveler and design enthusiast. She likes to create and breathe vibrancy to things. When not organizing events, she is a content contributor for GPTW PH and likewise handles corporate matters. A happy wife and a doting mom, she finds joy in unique experiences and believes that everyone has the potential for greatness.
