By Tet Defensor
Focusing on our individuality forges the path that leads us to achieve our full potential. But baring our true selves may not be easy at times, especially in a traditional and rigid work environment.
Mondelez Philippines Inc., the maker of Tang, Cheez Whiz, Eden, Oreo, Toblerone, Cadbury, and other fun snacks, believes in building a winning growth culture in the workplace.
“Our goal is to continuously build a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable world socially and economically,” said Aileen Aumentado, people lead at Mondelez Philippines.
The company joined the celebration of Pride month with a forum on diversity and inclusion, highlighting workplace equality for members of LGBT+ community.
During the event, the company shared the Oreo proud parent video, released in 2020, that tells the story of a young woman who is introducing her girlfriend to her parents for the first time. The commercial ends with the line “a loving world starts with a loving home”. The video coincided with the release of the rainbow Oreo last year.
In the Philippines, Mondelez has policies that support LGBT+ employees.
“Our HMO benefits are extended to domestic partners. We have primary caregiver leaves, single parent leaves, and remote working policy for employees whose partners are working abroad,” said Aumentado.
The company also has an aggressive internal campaign that addresses the issue on unconscious bias. Apart from the value of equality, they constantly emphasize the respect for one’s individuality.
“We still need to overcome inequality and unconscious bias around the world. Achieving equality is everyone’s responsibility and requires collective action from all of us,” shared Ashish Pisharodi, country director of Mondelez Philippines. “We believe we are stronger through our diverse, inclusive, and connected community.”
Mondelez Philippines capped their celebration by joining the Philippine Financial and Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP), a non-profit organization that aims to foster an industry that is safe and inclusive for the LGBT+ community.
PFIP welcomed Mondelez to its growing list of partner organizations. “Through our partnership with Mondelez Philippines, we hope to promote the three basic LGBT+ rights in the workplace: the right to a chosen name and preferred pronouns to affirm one’s gender identity, the right to dress according to one’s gender expression, and the right to access inclusive facilities and amenities including restrooms,” shared PFIP Board of Trustee Chris Eugenio.
Eugenio added, “For companies who are looking to evolve their workplace culture, we recommend starting with these inclusive practices.”