Martin Luis Cortez, a quality assurance manager at Wells Fargo Philippines, moves confidently through the company’s bustling corridors. His journey of empowerment within a diverse workplace reflects the company’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility.
As companies worldwide strive for inclusivity, Cortez’s experience highlights the transformative power of a disability-friendly environment. Wells Fargo Philippines offers a blueprint for creating such environments, encompassing infrastructure design, employee support, benefits, and education.
Thanks to thoughtful design, navigating his workday is seamless for Martin. Accessible ramps, grab bars, and well-placed features create an inclusive environment. “The emphasis on accessibility extends to corridors and restrooms, making me feel safe and comfortable,” Cortez said. “It allows me to fully engage in my work and contribute to my fullest potential.”
Spacious corridors, accessible parking and thoughtfully designed ramps ensure ease of movement for all. Restrooms feature ample space, grab bars, and emergency buttons. Wells Fargo Philippines also provides a dedicated workplace accommodation process to support employees with temporary or permanent challenges.
Edzel Reyes, executive director of Wells Fargo Philippines’ corporate properties group, emphasized the importance of accessibility in line with the company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). “We built our sites in accordance with building codes and local laws,” Reyes says. “But as an organization that values inclusivity, we go beyond compliance and continue to add features and amenities that will deeply impact all employees.”
Reyes also serves as chapter sponsor of Wells Fargo’s Disability Connection Employee Resource Network (ERN) in the Philippines. “My top priority is to ensure equal opportunities and accommodations for all employees,” Reyes said. “Aside from accessibility, I enjoin everyone to work towards a culture of understanding, acceptance, and equity where we don’t even need to use the word ‘inclusion’ anymore.”
Beyond physical accommodations, Cortez values the support networks, like the Disability Connection ERN, that offer camaraderie and education. “These networks offer invaluable resources and a sense of community,” he says. “I’ve been able to share my expertise and foster greater understanding among my colleagues.”
Wells Fargo’s Disability Connection ERN champions advocacy, education, and awareness. The network provides resources such as disability awareness workshops, trainings, seminars, and free American Sign Language learning sessions.
The company fosters a culture of understanding and support through employee-driven initiatives. Mary Angelyn Saldo, who offers free American Sign Language classes to her colleagues, exemplifies this spirit. Wells Fargo supports her efforts.
Wells Fargo regularly reviews its disability inclusion initiatives to ensure effectiveness. In March, the company hosted a Disability Inclusion Industry Roundtable to share experiences, successes, and challenges in advancing disability inclusion in the Philippines.
Wells Fargo is an active partner of the Philippine Business and Disability Network. By incorporating these principles into their workspaces, companies can create environments where employees of all abilities feel valued and empowered to succeed. As Wells Fargo Philippines demonstrates, inclusion and belonging transcend compliance, representing a commitment to embracing diversity and creating spaces where everyone can thrive.
