Everyone says Optum is a great place to work, but we wanted to see for ourselves. So, we went “undercover” as new hires and joined their New Employee Orientation, a pleasantly surprising, warm, and welcoming introduction to a company that’s dedicated to nurturing its employees’ personal and professional growth.
Photo by Crizelle De Guzman
From the moment we entered the venue, we could feel the anticipation and excitement buzzing in the air. The registration process was seamless, with a dedicated help desk for everything you could possibly need, from government documents and requirements to details on the employee referral program. The team behind the event was friendly and engaging throughout, truly giving everyone a warm welcome.
What really stood out to us was witnessing top leaders, including Optum’s Managing Director for the Philippines and Puerto Rico, Samarth Mathur, personally greet and welcome the new hires; a simple, yet memorable gesture that reflects the company’s dedication to its culture of care, already evident at the employees’ Day One.
“Our core mission is grounded on how we make people live healthier lives, and how we help make the healthcare system work better for everyone,” he shared during the orientation. Mr. Mathur also encouraged new employees to share their ideas freely: “Your ideas matter. Some of the best and brightest ideas can come from perspectives different from our own. It is the art of thinking and creativity that is the most important,” he added.
Photo from Optum Philippines
Far from the standard corporate lecture, the orientation went beyond our expectations. The program was genuinely engaging with interactive activities like a Human Scavenger Hunt that broke the ice between the new recruits, and a lively discussion on living out the company’s core values.
Photo by Crizelle De Guzman
We also learned that Optum invests heavily in programs and initiatives designed to support its team members at every stage, such as its Emotional Wellbeing Solutions (EWS), which include 24/7 counseling services and a suite of other resources, such as financial and legal counselling. The company also offers tuition reimbursements for employees looking to pursue their education goals while working.
The packed day featured comprehensive presentations from the different departments, including an in-depth safety demonstration from the Security Team (including their adorable K-9s Nikor and Dina!). The event was a great opportunity to meet colleagues from diverse professional backgrounds, demonstrating how Optum is open to talent from different fields. To cap off the event, each new employee got to take home a welcome kit and had a blast taking selfies at the “Opt To Go Further” photo spots to commemorate the start of their journey with Optum.
Photo by Crizelle De Guzman
Following the orientation, we then got to tour Optum’s Makati headquarters, which featured thoughtfully designed spaces that go beyond the typical desk and cubicle set-up. It even had cool features such as a karaoke room, boardgames, and gaming consoles available for employees to unwind during breaks.
Photo by Crizelle De Guzman
Spread across six floors, the Makati office features open, light-filled areas and a range of amenities, including a dedicated clinic, a Mother’s Room, and a Wellness Room complete with massage chairs.
Photo by Crizelle De Guzman
But beyond relaxation, Optum’s primary goal behind its office design is to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration.
The newly inaugurated Innovation Garage is a perfect example of this. Fitted with the latest technology, this space encourages employees to come together, brainstorm, and create innovative solutions that will help shape the future of healthcare. Breakout rooms and bleacher-style brainstorming corners can also be found across the different floors, encouraging employees to interact and engage with each other.
Photo by Crizelle De Guzman
These spaces focused on collaboration and community are a perfect fit for a workforce that is mostly made up of millennials and Gen Zs —generations that crave purpose, development, and a dynamic environment.
It’s clear that the space was designed with employee well-being in mind, but what truly sets Optum apart is its employee-first culture.
By providing a supportive environment from the very first day of employment, complemented by a workplace with state-of-the-art facilities, and a culture that prioritizes personal development and well-being, Optum is building a community of caring professionals empowered to reach their full potential.
So, is Optum truly a great workplace? Based on our experience, the answer is a resounding yes! It’s a company that’s not only a leader in healthcare innovation but also genuinely cares for its people.
Ready to find the perfect work opportunity for you? If you are looking to build a career in a company where care and compassion are not just values but daily practice, check out Optum Philippines!
