Filipinos consider salary, financial stability and healthcare programs as the top essential benefits that matter the most in the midst of a pandemic, a recent survey conducted by PhilCare showed.
Respondents of PhilCare’s Survey of Filipino Workers 2021 were asked to rank 11 items that employees would consider more important in their work now than before the pandemic.
At least 62 percent answered salary, followed by financial stability of the employer (58 percent), and healthcare program of the company (56.9 percent).
On the other hand, career development, learning and skills training, and organizational values were considered among the least essential during the pandemic.
“Aside from the assurance that they will continue to receive their salaries, the notable change in Filipino workers’ perspective about work benefits is that they consider healthcare among the most essential assistance they can get from their employers,” said PhilCare President and CEO Jaeger Tanco.
“Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, health programs at work were considered as a rather ‘nice to have’ benefit. Filipino workers seem to have realized from the pandemic that they won’t be able to earn unless they remain fit and healthy for work,” Tanco added.
Tanco said employees now see how important it is that the companies they work for continue to thrive and grow despite economic uncertainties.
Knowing how challenging it is to lose work during the pandemic, workers are now much more invested in ensuring that the businesses they work for continue to operate or else, they also lose their means of livelihood.
Here are initiatives employers may consider to promote business continuity:
Incorporate sustainable practices
Many businesses were forced out of business during the pandemic because of the rigidity of their leadership and operations model.Make your business sustainable by allowing your business to adjust its operations even in uncertain times. Adopting technologies that allow for remote work and management proved effective to maintain operations despite pandemic-related mobility restrictions. Be on the lookout for other sustainable practices that can help future-proof your business.
Have a bigger purpose
With the shift in market preference for businesses that operate for purpose and not solely for profit, businesses that contribute to the development of society are seen to engage their markets better. They are also seen to pivot easily into new ventures that still create value for their stakeholders, especially their customers and employees.
Promote employee retention by creating distinct employee experience
While employee perks such as throwing pizza parties or having sleeping pods at the workplace may be seen as factors that make your workplace distinct, having benefits that address the real needs of their employees would contribute to a more pleasant experience at work. Based on the results of the PhilCare Survey, strategic and relevant employee benefits such as healthcare assistance could be more impactful for employees.