Convergys cites exceptional RP operations

The Philippines has reported one of the fastest growing operations for global outsourced customer service giant Convergys Corp.

The company is now the country’s largest employer of knowledge-based workers with some 9,500 professionals in seven facilities nationwide.

Officials of the Ohio-based company flew to Manila for the dedication of its Philippine headquarters on Ayala Avenue in Makati City.

"Since the opening of our first Philippine location in March 2003, Convergys has opened six additional contact centers, a training center and a first-of-its-kind dedicated recruitment center in the U-Belt. I believe this level of growth is exceptional by any standards and is something that we are very proud of. I would say the Philippines and our operations here have met or exceeded every expectation," said David Dougherty, Convergys presi-dent and COO.

Convergys Corp. is a global leader in customer care, human resources, and billing services.

"Currently, 100 percent of Convergys operations in the Philippines are in our customer care business. I cannot confirm any immediate plans to begin information management or employee care work in the country, but Convergys conti-nuously considers new global locations and facilities that will allow us to effectively and efficiently provide our many services with intense client focus," Dougherty said.

Convergys services clients in a variety of fields, including financial services, telecommu-nications, information techno-logy, pharmaceuticals, retail and e-commerce, and direct response.

Dougherty said the company looks at many factors when establishing any centers of operation in a particular country.

While English language proficiency and an affinity for US culture form some consideration, he added that the company also looks at the government support and the regulatory environment of a location.

"Additionally, we look at the desire of local and national governments to grow the contact center business as well as infrastructure and proximity of residential neighborhoods to our potential sites. For all of these reasons, operating in the Philippines was, in the beginning and continues to be, a natural choice for Convergys," he said.

Convergys reports hiring almost 700 Filipino employees a month. Application processing is accepted in all its seven facilities as well as in its U-Belt recruitment center.

"As a norm at Convergys, we provide a comfortable physical working environment and a full range of competitive benefits and salaries equal to or exceeding industry standards in an effort to keep our employees happy and employed by Convergys," Dougherty said.

The company was this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Employer Award from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority for its high number of hires, concern for employee welfare and strong management-employee relations.

A company-wide Family Day was recently held, allowing employees to have fun with their families and learn more about the company and the industry.

Over 2,500 family members participated in the Makati celebration.