There is no definitive list of what makes a workplace good. However, there are certain attributes that are commonly found and observed in companies that the current corporate world considers to be great workplaces. 

According to leading experts in psychology and organizational behavior research, a good workplace involves fostering an environment that supports the physical, mental, emotional, and psychological well-being of employees. If a company fails to consider these factors for their employees, productivity and morale will be affected, and eventually, the company itself will be at risk.

Here are six qualities of a great workplace according to the experts, and why the company Cebuana Lhuillier, the leading and largest microfinancial service provider in the Philippines, ticks all the boxes of what an excellent workplace should be.

1. Strong and inspiring leadership

An organization with strong leaders is a must because they are the ones who provide their workforce with a solid direction towards attaining the company’s goals. Their vision is essential so that employees are inspired and motivated to work and move forward to achieve success. Such is Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier, who is widely recognized both locally and internationally as a distinguished leader, having won many awards here and abroad for his personal achievements and his role as Cebuana Lhuillier’s top executive. A hands-on leader, Jean Henri Lhuillier is highly respected and admired by everyone in the entire organization, as he leads the way in spearheading innovations and fostering a strong commitment to corporate social

responsibility (CSR). For Cebuana Lhuillier’s top executives and all of its employees, Jean Henri Lhuillier is a leader worth emulating.

2. Open Communication

Cebuana Lhuillier places a high value on open communication, actively demonstrating it through various initiatives. Cebuana Lhuillier launched its Kumustahan initative, where dedicated employees visit disaster-affected communities to showcase its rapid disaster response and to engage with its clients during times of need.

President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier also attaches great importance to communication within the organization. He underscores this commitment through the CEO Roadshow, where Jean Henri Lhuillier extensively travels across the country to visit branches to establish direct and transparent connections with employees and branch staff.

Additionally, the company encourages its employees to actively participate in the 360 Competency Feedback to foster a culture of open and candid communication. This approach is instrumental in facilitating continuous improvement and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the organization.

3. A healthy company culture

A thriving company culture is the bedrock of a successful organization, and Cebuana Lhuillier embodies this principle through its unwavering commitment to its core values: innovation, respect, integrity, teamwork, excellence, and social responsibility. The company recognizes the paramount importance of instilling these values throughout its workforce, which lays the foundation for a company culture that prioritizes employee happiness and imparts a sense of fulfillment.

In recent years, Cebuana Lhuiller has implemented several cultural campaigns. Be the Best (about excellence), Tatak Cebuana (about all the core values), Isang Bangka, Bolder (about collaborative excellence), Better, More, and One Cebuana (about teamwork) have been some of the best culture campaigns that aimed to impart the company’s core values to its personnel.

This year, Cebuana Lhuiller’s culture campaign is called Intertwined, which delves into diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Here, every employee is made to feel comfortable and confident enough to be themselves, no matter their gender, sex, or race, and to work in a way that suits them and delivers on a company’s business and service needs.

4. A focus on innovation

Embracing innovation is a cornerstone of success in today’s ever-evolving corporate landscape. Cebuana Lhuillier incorporated innovation into its core values to effectively

navigate the fast-changing corporate and social changes brought about by factors like modern technology, social media, globalization, and other disruptors.

Cebuana Lhuillier ventured beyond the traditional to redefine how the company engages with its extensive workforce of over 10,000 employees across over 3,000 locations. In 2021, Cebuana Lhuillier made a significant stride when it partnered with entomo and implemented a digital tool called the Enterprise Performance Management System (EPMS), which revolutionized performance monitoring and feedback.

The company set new standards with over innovations, introducing groundbreaking SMS notifications like expiry notices and remittance receipts, as well as introducing apps (eCebuana) and online platforms (ProtectNow, jewelry selling online, etc.). Among recent innovations is the Cebuana Lhuillier Advance App, which provides on-demand financial assistance to employees by enabling them to access a portion of their salaries as a revolving line of credit whenever they need emergency funds.

Finally, Cebuana Lhuillier takes pride in being a champion of artificial intelligence (AI). The company has a dedicated team that is committed to exploring new possibilities and applications of AI, with the goal of providing innovative financial solutions and meeting the changing needs of its clients, ensuring that the services remain cutting-edge and competitive.

5. Invests in employee training and development

Cebuana Lhuillier places a strong emphasis on employee training and development to foster a highly skilled and motivated workforce.

Our commitment to this endeavor is exemplified by the Cebuana Lhuillier Academy. This Academy serves as a hub for continuous learning, where employees and management can attend an array of seminars, workshops, and team-building activities so every Ka-Cebuana can expand their knowledge and acquire new skills.

In addition to this, the company created Cebuana Lhuillier Academy Online, a platform where employees can take courses for free. This commitment is also extended to Cebuana Lhuillier's senior leadership and management commitment, which benefits from the tailored training programs and workshops in collaboration with the Tom Oliver Group.

New employees also undergo a comprehensive orientation and Basic Client Service Training, while branch personnel participate in specialized training, including Gold, Diamond, and Watch Appraising Workshops as well as Vauly Inventory Management Orientation. Meanwhile, partner-client care officers are equipped with training in COPC Best Practices for Quality Management Training.

6. Recognizes and rewards employees

Rewarding outstanding employees is important in the Cebuana Lhuiller culture. The company places great importance on acknowledging the outstanding efforts of its dedicated team members through the annual “Brillo” awards ceremony. Brillo serves as a platform to honor and celebrate Ka-Cebuanas who go above and beyond their duty. The awards include Loyalty Awards, Business Unit Awards, ISIP and CX Excellence Awards, Individual Awards, and Group Awards. Cebuana Lhuiller truly believes that celebrating employees who are committed to the company’s mission, vision, values, and purpose is imperative because the phenomenal contributions of these Ka-Cebuanas really make a mark on the company’s success and business performance.

Cebuana Lhuillier’s unrelenting dedication to providing the best workplace experience stems from its belief that cultivating a culture of excellence and employee well-being translates into exceptional service for its valued clients. This commitment, along with the six qualities, is what makes Cebuana Lhuillier stand out as the employer of choice.

Sources: · 7 Qualities that Make a Company a Great Place to Work: Insights from Quixy’s Success Story https://quixy.com/blog/qualities-that-make-a-company-a-great-place-to-work/ · What Makes a Company a Great Place To Work: 15 Things https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-makes-a-company-a-great-place-to-work · 7 Key Characteristics That Make a Company a Great Place to Work https://dresma.ai/key-characteristics-that-make-a-company-a-great-place-to-work/ · The Top 9 Qualities of a Great