In its most recent HP Live webinar, HP and Intel, along with other industry experts, discussed the impact of new work styles, the move to grow and becoming future-ready, as well as what it means for businesses to integrate sustainability into their operations. Aimed at raising awareness on sustainability the webinar, “The Future is Calling: Equipping the BPO Industry towards a Sustainable Shift” highlighted the sustainable impact and security trends, issues, and solutions for the businesses and outsourcing (BPO) industry in the new normal.
The BPO industry is one of the main economic growth drivers in the Philippines. To ensure business performance without compromising people’s safety and health, BPO companies have implemented more flexible working arrangements, and are now on their collective journey toward sustainable growth.
“The direction for us post-pandemic is not to get back to the old normal but to move forward in a new era of innovation and long-term, sustainable growth. This is why sustainable impact is not just a good-to-have but a business imperative and we, at HP, will work together with our partners in the BPO industry in this shared commitment of driving positive, lasting change to our people, planet, and the community,” said Christian Reyes, Philippines Managing Director of HP Inc.
Partners for Sustainable Growth: finding the right tools and solutions
To make it easier for businesses to embed sustainability into their operations and IT infrastructure, HP designed a solution that reduces the cost and complexity of device lifecycle management. The HP Device as a Service provides the right devices, repair services, and AI-driven analytics in a predictable payment with flexible terms.
“It’s really about equipping businesses with the right technology and the best security solutions. Traditional IT is no longer productive and companies would have to think about what they need to increase their capabilities onsite and remotely—it could be automation, AI, data analytics, or cloud-based technology. The right kind of solution enables companies to support their workforce better and ensure sustainable operations. It will allow them to monitor, manage, and even predict issues and address them proactively instead of through reactive actions,” Kanogorn Lertsrisuriya—Regional Services Category Manager, HP Inc. said.
Last year, during the first months of shifting to remote work due to sudden lockdown restrictions, a great number of the workforce experienced major issues in working longer hours to compensate for “low productivity” due to technical problems, unreliable internet connection, and unstable electricity supplies. According to a report, this led to 51% of agents resigning in the Philippines.
“We managed to lower our attrition because we were able to offer a work-from-home set-up which we didn’t have before in the BPO space. This was made possible by enhancing the security aspect of our operations. We also need to collaborate and listen more for us to be able to create sustainable and relevant solutions for issues concerning our people. None of the BPO companies were prepared for this pandemic and we all learn as we move along. What we can assure is that we’re prioritizing the safety and well-being of our people,” said Jojo Uligan, CCAP President.
Marwin Barrozo, Philippines Director for IT Delivery Service at Transcom added, “Even with the pandemic, Transcom grew in 2020 compared to 2019 because we were able to adapt to the changes and found ways for us to retain our workforce such as modifying site operations for brick and mortars, providing infrastructure assistance to those who are working from home, and facilitating the recruitment process onsite and virtually.”
Meanwhile, green practices and trends are also making their way to outsourcing firms—from making sustainable decisions in the use of office equipment to promoting environmental-related programs for employees and developing long-term goals aligned with planet protection plans.
With sustainability becoming a priority for an increasing number of companies over the years, more are proving that sustainable solutions can positively impact bottom lines.
Barrozo shared, “When the pandemic reached the Philippines last year, we reviewed our sustainability program called Transcom Cares which focuses on six courses of areas that we consider the most beneficial to our operations. Through that program, we were able to better handle and manage amid the health crisis, becoming a more successful and sustainable company.”
HP has also been leading sustainable impact initiatives for years and has created its world-first sustainable PC and print portfolio through a commitment to energy efficiency, recycled materials usage, product longevity, design for product end-of-life, and innovative packaging. Recently, the company outlined its agenda to help expand access to digital equity and advance human rights for all through its extensive programs within and outside the organization.
And for the second consecutive year, in 2020, these efforts on sustainable impact have helped HP win more than $1 billion in new sales.
For more information on how you can optimize your working experiences from home and remote work sites, please visit HP.com. To learn more about our innovative solutions for BPO, you may send a direct inquiry to Maria Elenita Tady, Partner Business Manager, at elen.tady@hp.com or thru +63 917 5901419.
