As a global leader in transportation and express logistics, and with the majority of its workforce considered frontline workers, DHL Express found itself amongst the most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, through a global team effort that was perfectly executed and further supported by local initiatives, DHL Express emerged as the top-ranked Philippines Best Workplaces™ 2021.
DHL Express Philippines Corporation was recently hailed as Asia’s Best Multinational Workplace in our recently announced Asia’s Best Workplaces 2021 List. The list is showcasing 200 companies across 18 different industries, from 16 diverse countries and cultures: Bangladesh, Greater China (including China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan), India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand UAE or Vietnam. Companies rank in three size categories: Small and Medium (10-499 employees); Large (500+); and Multinational, where DHL Express emerged on top.
To view the complete list, click here.
As one of the first companies to acknowledge the severity of the situation, a Business Continuity Plan and team was quickly established, comprising the Country Manager along with senior team and line managers, in order to implement safety measures, ensure compliance, resolve operational challenges and improve processes to adjust to the pandemic.
Frontline staff were provided protection over and on top of what was legally required, with masks, shields, gloves, coverall suits, safety spectacles, alcohol gels and even multivitamins generously provided.
While most non-frontline staff were allowed to work-from-home and provided full support and flexibility, full safety precautions were taken for those that had to work in the office. The management provided nearby accommodation and transport for staff that lived far away while all office staff were also provided meals in view of food establishments not operating as usual.
Ensuring employees had access to trusted information sources became a top priority with more than 140 issues of Covid-19 Daily Bulletins, 40 Medical Bulletins and 34 hours in announcements and reminders executed during the year, in addition to the global daily Covid-19 monitoring system set up by DHL Global.
Making the most of technological advancements, DHL Express seized the opportunity to digitalize safety protocols and system processes in order to enhance social distancing during the pandemic. They also expedited the implementation of ‘Smartr’, a one-stop employee communication and social application, and provided rewards to top users to promote usage and enhance employee camaraderie.
In fact, fostering team spirit and togetherness proved to be a top priority for DHL Express, with numerous activities held throughout the year, including DHL’s Got Heart Digital Celebration, #DoubleTap4Pride, DHL4HER and Virtual Appreciation Week, amongst others.
The spirit of togetherness within DHL Express shone through during National Heroes Day in August. It saw the emergence of DHL’s own heroes as 23 employees, including the country manager, volunteered to help overworked frontline couriers deliver shipments during the long weekend.
Leaders leading by example was a common theme at DHL Express, with global CEO penning personalized letters to Covid-19 afflicted employees. Closer to home, the OIC Country Manager, HR Director, and the specific Functional Director has personally called every infected employee to understand their needs as they battled the virus.
The company celebrates an ‘As One’ mentality in their decision-making processes, underlining a spirit of collaboration, the commitment towards action in unity and the recognition that “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
“What makes DHL a Great Place to Work® is that the leaders make employees feel valued by encouraging us to share, which make me feel fully engaged with the Company. Secondly, the recognition they give the performers also inspires us to work harder every day. Lastly, they make us feel that they truly care about us especially during this unprecedented time by looking after our health, well-being and safety.”
-Keith de Lara, Courier
