Sykes ends 2013 on upbeat note

MANILA, Philippines - Call center industry pioneer Sykes is expanding and pushing its bar of operating standards further up in the coming year.

Sykes vice president for Philippine operations Dean Van Ormer announced this 2014 plan at their recent year-end celebration at SMX, where it gathered its enormous manpower strength networkwide.

“This year, we created another milestone and set higher standards for others to follow,” Ormer said of the recent launching of Sykes’ Glorietta site, the first call center office that offers highly supportive facilities, from the lighting to the chairs and design.

“We will apply such principles to our other sites here in the Philippines,” Van Ormer stressed to the 7,000-strong Sykes workforce.

Ormer attributed Sykes’ outstanding 2013 performance to the commitment to excellence, hard work and loyalty of its call center agents, who have remained with the company for years despite the industrywide trend of fast employee turnover.

He referred to such loyalty as the key to the unity that enabled the company to raise a huge amount for the reconstruction efforts in the Visayan provinces devastated by typhoon Haiyan (locally named Yolanda).

“Together, we have raised almost P2 million to help rebuild Tacloban, Leyte and Samar,” Ormer said. “You have truly shown what support means. I am proud to be working with each and every one of you.”

More than 200 Sykesers were recognized for their 10th and 15th year with the company, including senior vice president for Asia Pacific regional operations Mike Henderson.

Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Henderson said, “People are often surprised when they find out that I have been with the same company for the past 15 years. And often, they ask me, “Why?” My answer is simple: “I like working here. Sykes has become more than just a company. Sykes has become a partner. Sykes has become a family.”

The company also awarded a brand-new car to the winner of the Employee Referral Program Promo, which incentivized the recruitment of prospective call center agents by the employees themselves.

 Another prize went to the Sykes Outdoor Club, the winner of the Choices of the Year Award for exemplifying the company’s culture of support.  Choices is the group of all special interest clubs in Sykes.

“We would like to thank Sykes for supporting us in our activities and endeavors,” said Ernie Cabaneros, who received the award for the group. “It’s rare that you find a company that not only allows you to pursue your passion, but also encourages and supports you for that.”

The employees were also treated to a musical extravaganza with six bands: Up Dharma Down, Giniling Festival, Kamikazee, Ebe Dancel, Save Me Hollywood, and Itchyworms.