Dell program empowers women employees

MANILA, Philippines - Aya was fresh out of college when she decided to work as a call center agent. Although a nursing graduate, she worked in the BPO sector so she could immediately get a job.  The daily night shift was unbearable and took a toll on her health, but she endured all the hardships, thinking only of one thing – to help her family. 

Like the 400,000 Filipinos who work in call centers, Aya is also driven by one, single factor – to support her parents and younger siblings. 

“ I am really amazed at their dedication, love and support for their families. Our employees, be they single or married, have their families on top of their priorities. They work hard for their families.They’re the work horse, the bread winners, they try to juggle work and their life, ” said Donna Grande, Dell’s Human Resource (HR) Director.

Top computer company and leading business process outsourcing company Dell recognizes the pressures and stress that the job brings and with their employees in mind, Dell established programs and initiatives that reinforces work and life balance.

Through its various employee programs, Dell provides opportunities for leadership and growth, education and professional development.

Grande said that through their programs, employees do not just feel they are  just working. Dell makes sure they take care of their well-being and professional growth.

One of their successful programs to date is the Women in Search of Excellence (WISE) an initiative established for Dell female employees.

“When we were doing a profile for Dell, we noticed that there were a lot of women in our company. We have so many hardworking women in the country and Dell has a keen interest in enriching women’s lives so we introduced WISE, a platform where women can connect and address issues,” Grande noted.

The WISE program is a global Dell initiative and is also implemented in the Asia-Pacific region.  It was launched in the Philippines in August of 2011 and Grande is at the helm of the program.

“WISE’s objective is to enhance the professional development of Dell employees.  Its mission is to create an inclusive community that connects the needs and interests of women,” Grande said.

The program also aims to retain talented women at Dell and increase the pool of talented women leaders, improve the recruitment and retention of women by enabling the communication of goals, motivations and concerns of women at Dell.

“Through the WISE program, we commit time and effort in improving the overall  wellness of our women employees,” she said.

“Dell instills in employees that they can be what they want to be. They can go  for their goals and realize their dreams no matter what their life circumstances are,” said Grande.

“ For instance, for our married employees, we  tell them that having a family to support is not a hindrance to becoming  who they want to be. Likewise for single people, they can achieve their dreams while at the same time supporting their family,” added Grande.

Grande explained that there are two programs of the WISE initiative.

“First, we have taken the stage where women are put together and attend talks that empower them. Speakers talk on a variety of topics and give out tips or techniques in various concerns. At the end of the day, we tell them that they have a voice, and should not feel restrained because they are women,” said Grande.

“The second program is embracing the stage where we urged our employees to be more active, involved and engaged. We have talks that encourage them to find their voice, that they can make a difference in other people’s lives,” she added.

Other activities include member development and mentoring, among others, which are all designed to empower their employees.

“ One time, we had makeovers that really made our women employees very happy. We always tell them they work so hard, they should not neglect their looks, their health,” she said.

All these efforts, Grande stressed, contribute to an improved workplace for their women employees.

“Overall, the community with Dell provides to be an ideal and safe environment for learning, practice and consultation. It also provide support and a sense of belonging, provide a place that addresses member needs and interests, serve as an internal resource group for feedback and input to Dell,” she enthused.

Likewise, Dell has on-going Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities for the employees to promote social awareness and value of giving back.

“We have a program that give back to the community through employee support of and participation in community event,” Grande said.