Cola firm opens path to GREAT life

MANILA, Philippines - The 21st-century workplace today is different than it was 20 years ago. While technological changes affect organizations and their operations, one thing remains the same: the role of people in organizational success. 

 “People are talents that need to be developed,” says Raul D. Villapaña, assistant vice president for Human Resources and Corporate Communications at Asiawide Refreshments Corporation (ARC), RC Cola’s Philippine licensed bottler. As a company that values relationships, ARC recognizes the importance of effective employee motivation in organizational change and success.

Back in 2005, following a session with employees to explore the layers of organizational culture, five qualities stood out: good governance, respect, excellence, accountability, and teamwork.  Collectively termed as GREAT, the company’s culture has given it the stability to promote corporate citizenship and organizational identity in a progressive work environment. 

For employee recognition programs, ARC implements Asiawide Idol, Diskarteng Asiawide and the Perfect Attendance reward system.  “Attendance,” Villapaña explains,“ is a basic measure of attitude.” In addition, the company has a birthday recognition program every month dubbed “RC Tayo sa BDAY mo!” It is an informal venue where birthday celebrants get together to dine and chat. Even top management is not exempt; hence, it is not surprising to see executives chatting with rank-and-file employees. Villapaña admits that this is a process consultation technique.

To foster camaraderie among employees, sports fests are also held every year.  Community outreach programs give every ARC member the opportunity to pursue a worthy task. First Friday Mass is also a must in all ARC offices. 

“We are strategic,” Villapana says. “We look at the person to stay and grow with us. We look beyond the current position and see the potential of the individual in assuming next-level positions. Financial rewards are a given but more than regular pay and benefits, the company also believes in investing in people. ARC thus spends time, money and effort on programs that guide employees in accomplishing organizational objectives. Workshops and trainings on varied topics are conducted for capacity building and personal growth.

“When I began my stint with ARC’s HR department,” Villapaña continues, “the first thing I did was to get a team of consultants to develop tenets of organizational culture and leadership, among others. We also focused on empowering people and since then, we have been successful.”

People are critical to the growth and success of any company.  More than providing employees with physical and accomplishment rewards, ARC has demonstrated that it is more important to engage employees with opportunities that reward them with a sense of inspiration and meaningfulness. It is diskarte that makes ARC one great company to work for.