TELUS International Philippines (TIP) has always espoused a people-first culture that promotes diversity, inclusiveness and belonging within the company. During Pride Month last month, we learned more about the company’s advocacy on the importance of gender sensitivity in the workplace and key steps on how to become an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Spectrum Philippines, TELUS International Philippines resource group for the LGBTQI+ community and their allies, is dedicated to building a more caring and inclusive workplace. The Spectrum team works to educate TELUS International Philippines team members on the importance of a respectful workplace and one that promotes inclusiveness to ensure that all TIP team members can embrace their true selves, and be appreciated for what they bring to the company as professionals regardless of gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or nationality.
“At TELUS International Philippines, we focus on the needs of our team members and work towards building an inclusive, accepting, and caring culture for them. Spectrum Philippines has been a driving force within our company as we empower our team members to choose their own paths, both professionally and personally. Diversity is a strength we continuously nurture. By enabling our team members to come to work and be their whole selves, we create a workplace that better facilitates a wider exchange of ideas, promotes better talent retention, and inspires creativity and innovation,” says Warren Tait, TELUS International Philippines Vice President of Brand, Marketing and Culture and Spectrum’s Executive Sponsor.
“Gender plays a huge role in the workplace. It is one thing to be gender sensitive but another thing to be gender responsive. Throughout human history, there has been a struggle not only for women but also for the members of the LGBTQIA+ community when it comes to equal opportunities in the workplace. I firmly believe that taking the first step to understand what SOGIE is will help more people understand the wide array of preferences, behaviors, and gender identities we have in the workplace.
I’m really happy to be a partner of TELUS International Philippines and Spectrum, in empowering team members to better empathize with each other so they can bring their genuine selves to work in a supportive and inclusive culture. For those who want to be allies to their LGBTQI+ loved ones, we encourage them to become better listeners, be open-minded and willing to talk, stay informed and provide day-to-day encouragement for their friends,” shares Janlee Dungca, TIP guest speaker and active member of the LoveYourself Foundation.
“At TELUS International Philippines, what helps us a lot is the feedback that we actively get from our team members. They are the ones who help us improve to become a friendlier and more inclusive company, advocating for and showing care for everyone at work,” Tait emphasizes.
Over the years, Spectrum Philippines has been pivotal in engendering positive change in the organization. The activities and programs led by the Spectrum team have resulted in increased membership from different backgrounds. More than half of the group’s members are allies who identify themselves as cisgender (or straight) but are empathetic to the cause of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The organization has encouraged the company to introduce benefits that are more inclusive, such as extending HMO coverage to dependents, domestic partners and same sex partners of team members. Sharing their insights with the HR and leadership teams has led to positive changes, such as the introduction of gender neutral, self-identified male, and self-identified female restrooms at all of TIP’s sites.
The team has also been a strong advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community beyond the walls of their offices. This June, for instance, TIP and Spectrum have an ongoing fundraising activity for the benefit of the LoveYourself Foundation. Proceeds will benefit the LoveYourself Foundation’s education efforts about HIV/AIDS for the LGBTQIA+ community and the Filipino youth.
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