By Willy Lim, Vice-President for Talent Acquisition, Foundever in the Philippines
In today’s highly competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent has become more of a business imperative than ever. This is especially true in the customer experience (CX) industry where the workforce is dominated by young professionals whose mindset, lifestyles, goals, and considerations are markedly different from more tenured counterparts.
Traditional recruitment methods may no longer be compelling enough for many. Staying on the same course can be pricey and more time-consuming than they used to be for companies, even falling far short of objectives. Companies need to be creative to sell themselves better as viable, attractive options for job seekers. It necessitates a holistic approach to employee recruitment and retention.
This is the framework behind the Employee Referral Program (ERP) at Foundever®, a global leader in the CX industry. Innovative and results-driven, the program benefits not just employees but the company as a whole from the moment new hires join the company.
ERP Business Impact: Why Employee Referrals Matter
The program has transformed the hiring strategy of Foundever, directly impacting the company’s success in multiple ways:
● Higher Retention Rates: Employees who join through referrals tend to stay longer, as they already have an insider’s perspective on company culture and expectations.
● Stronger Employee Engagement: Employees who refer candidates take an active role in shaping their teams, fostering a deeper connection to the company.
● Diversified Talent Pool: Referral programs help expand the company’s reach, bringing in talent from varied backgrounds.
● Cultural Fit: Employees refer people they believe will align with the company’s values and work ethic, ensuring a strong cultural match.
Turning Employees into Brand Ambassadors
The ERP does more than streamline hiring—it transforms employees into active participants in the company’s growth. By rewarding their engagement, Foundever empowers them as brand ambassadors who take pride in bringing in top talent. Rewards include cash bonuses, surprise seasonal promos, and an exciting new initiative for this year – the top referrer for 2025 gets to win Php 1,000,000, the first of its kind in the local CX industry.
Employee Experience Fuels Business Success
Foundever believes employee satisfaction drives business success. A motivated, engaged workforce directly enhances customer experience, which is why constant efforts and innovations are undertaken to maintain and further strengthen a workplace that values inclusivity, well-being, and career growth.
The company’s holistic approach to employee engagement includes diversity and inclusion programs throughemployee resource groups for women, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and persons with disabilities.
Foundever gives premium on employees’ health and wellbeing in the form of HMO benefits (including coverage for same-gender partners), mental health support, and access to essential medications.
Ultimately, there is a corporate drive to improve financial empowerment by making financial literacy resources available to help employees build a more secure future.
The Ripple Effect: Satisfied Employees, Satisfied Customers
A strong program like the ERP doesn’t just benefit recruitment—it enhances the entire employee experience. Engaged employees lead to higher job satisfaction, better retention, and ultimately, superior customer service. When employees feel valued, they become more invested in the company’s success, creating a positive cycle of engagement and performance.