Not only is Microsoft known for its productivity-driven software and technologies, the company has also now been recognized as a leader in people management.
Out of more than a hundred entries from all over the region, Microsoft Philippines recently won the top prize at the 2008 Asian CSR Awards under the category “Best Workplace Practices” for its employee wellness program.
“As an employer, our main focus at Microsoft is to make sure that we take good care of our most valuable resources — our employees,” says Rafael Rollan, managing director, Microsoft Philippines. “This international recognition demonstrates how Microsoft continues to seek for ways of not just bringing the latest innovations but also ensuring the well-being of our people who are really the main drivers of our business.”
Held in Singapore, the Asian CSR Awards program is Asia’s premier awards program on corporate social responsibility. It recognizes and honors Asian companies for outstanding, innovative, and world-class products, services, projects, and programs in five categories. The employee wellness program of Microsoft Philippines bested numerous entries from 15 countries.
According to Microsoft Philippines’ human resources director Amor Villalon, “Wellness is an important factor of happiness that can directly affect one’s attitude and work. This is why we are consciously investing in programs that we know will have a positive effect on our employees’ well-being.”
For the past months, Microsoft has organized happy and healthy activities for its employees, which include free healthy meals daily; membership at one of the more exclusive health clubs in town; shuttle services; free parking; free use of billiards, table tennis, and Xbox; and a three-day leave to volunteer in any charitable organization of one’s choice.
With the successful implementation of the employee wellness program, Microsoft Philippines aims to continue providing a more positive work environment to its employees, help them manage stress, and bolster their overall health and well-being.