Beyond salaries: Holistic employee programs vital to business growth

MANILA, Philippines — In today’s highly competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent has become more of a business imperative than ever. This is especially true in the customer experience (CX) industry where the workforce is dominated by young professionals whose mindset, lifestyles, goals and considerations are markedly different from more tenured counterparts.

Traditional recruitment methods may no longer be compelling enough for many, said Willy Lim, VP for talent acquisition at Foundever® in the Phl. Staying on the same course can be pricey and more time-consuming than they used to be for companies, even falling far short of objectives, he noted.

“Thus, companies need to be creative to sell themselves better as viable, attractive options for job seekers, and this necessitates a holistic approach to employee recruitment and retention,” Lim said.

He said this is the framework behind the Employee Referral Program (ERP) at Foundever®, a global leader in the CX industry. Innovative and results-driven, the program benefits not just employees but the company as a whole from the moment new hires join the company.

He said the program has transformed the hiring strategy of Foundever, directly impacting the company’s success in multiple ways - higher retention rates, stronger employee engagement, diversified talent pool and cultural fit.

By rewarding their engagement, Lim said Foundever empowers them as brand ambassadors who take pride in bringing in top talent. Rewards include cash bonuses, surprise seasonal promos, and an exciting new initiative for this year – the top referrer for 2025 gets to win P1 million, the first of its kind in the local CX industry.

The company’s holistic approach to employee engagement includes diversity and inclusion programs through employee resource groups for women, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and persons with disabilities, Lim said.

Foundever also gives premium on employees’ health and wellbeing in the form of HMO benefits (including coverage for same-gender partners), mental health support, and access to essential medications.

Lim said a strong program like the ERP doesn’t just benefit recruitment—it enhances the entire employee experience. Engaged employees lead to higher job satisfaction, better retention, and ultimately, superior customer service. When employees feel valued, they become more invested in the company’s success, creating a positive cycle of engagement and performance.