Companies all over the world strive to build inclusion and diversity into their workplace culture to give everyone a fair chance to improve the quality of their life.
Even before the pandemic, global confectionery manufacturer Mars Wrigley has been promoting inclusion and diversity within and beyond its factory in Antipolo City.
Aside from making our customers smile, keeping our associates happy at work has been one of our main commitments. We want to create a work environment that they will truly enjoy and be proud of,” said Mars Wrigley Antipolo factory director Fernando del Castillo.
Mars Wrigley is committed to creating an environment for associates where they feel a strong sense of belonging and purpose. With that emanating from the factory, Mars Wrigley believes that supporting the communities near them can help create a positive impact to their lives.
Community support
This year, the manufacturer launched its Experiential Learning Program to help provide jobs to the less privileged. The company works with NGOs such as Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft charity.
Mars Wrigley also collaborates with YULA Women’s Initiative Inc. to enjoin the women of Antipolo City and nearby municipalities in Rizal province to participate in the Mars Wrigley Experiential Learning Program and learn valuable work skills.
Upon graduation, they are endorsed to agencies whom Mars Wrigley contracts with in an aim to provide opportunities where they can build their skills and employability.
“During the pandemic, the less fortunate have been impacted the most. Improving inclusion and diversity in workplaces is not only the right thing to do but is critical to supporting the communities we operate in,” said del Castillo.
Through the years, Mars Wrigley Antipolo has been working to build a diverse workforce by intentionally aiming to have a 50-to-50 ratio of male and female associates. This diversity is also reflected in its commitment to shape future leadership of the Antipolo factory, ensuring that women are well-represented in the management team.
Inclusive space
Inclusive practices are not only applied to hiring opportunities, but also to the overall workplace culture. The factory provides a dedicated breastfeeding room for return-to-work moms and ensures they have the right facilities to feel comfortable at work. Meanwhile, a prayer room is provided for different religions.
Aside from making the factory a conducive environment for back-to-work moms, Mars Wrigley also empowers women to have a career-life balance by helping them in planning their smooth transition from maternity leave to returning to work. There is also a strong sense and awareness of male allyship where male co-workers act as allies rather than competition.
Globally, Mars has been recognized for its workplace initiatives and received Fortune’s Best Workplaces for Manufacturing and Production, People’s 50 Companies That Care List, Forbes America’s Best Employers for Diversity, and Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For.
“We have a lot of hardworking and talented Associates in the Philippines and they excel when they are in a healthy environment. We truly believe that when everyone has a voice and a platform, they will feel empowered to reach their full potential. That’s why we continue to provide equal opportunities to all of them regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation or religion,” said del Castillo.