Fluor in the Philippines Recognised for Excellence in their SWITCH Employee Wellbeing Program at Asian Experience Awards 2023

In a remarkable triumph, Fluor in the Philippines has been awarded the prestigious Philippines Employee Experience of the Year - Engineering Award at the esteemed Asian Experience Awards 2023. 

The Asian Experience Awards, a highly regarded awards programme, celebrates organisations that demonstrate outstanding dedication to enhancing the lives of their employees. This recognition serves as a testament to Fluor in the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to fostering an exceptional holistic work-life experience for its employees.

Fluor in the Philippines’ winning entry, the SWITCH Wellbeing Program (Sustainable Wellness Initiatives Toward Corporate Health), has set a new standard for comprehensive employee wellbeing initiatives developed by their employees, “SWITCH was proudly designed by our people, for our people”.

SWITCH is a well-planned and extensive set of programmes, policies, benefits, and environmental support customised to provide resources and voluntary activities. These will assist their workforce in thriving physically; reaching and maintaining mental balance; attaining financial security; and connecting socially in alignment with Fluor’s Wellbeing Framework. This programme also supports Fluor’s Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability Policies by reducing the stigma associated with mental illness through education and communication and improving worker and site personnel protection by creating a safe, diversified, and inclusive environment.

Fluor in the Philippines’ Wellbeing Framework includes employees’ Physical, Mental, Financial and Social wellness. Here are some of the programmes employees benefit from:

I. PHYSICAL WELLNESS

• Commit to be Fit! is an exercise programme encouraging employees to commit to physical wellness. It includes weekly exercise sessions like Zumba Tuesday, Yoga Wednesday and Cross Fit Thursday. 
• Medical Emergency Action Plan was designed to ensure timely and appropriate responses in emergencies. The Health, Safety and Environment team continually provides First Aid and Basic Life Support training to the emergency action team. 
• Private Lactation Stations were created for lactating moms in the office. The Department of Health issued the company the certification of a Mother-Baby Friendly Workplace in 2019 and again this year 2023.
• ProErgo is an ergonomics programme that helps improve employees’ performance through optimising tasks and workstation design to prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders.
• Occupational Health Policies were developed to promote health and wellness in the workplace and comply with statutory mandates such as Workplace Policy and Program on TB Prevention and Control; HIV-AIDS; Hepatitis B; Health and Safety of Pregnant and Lactating Employees; Management of Mental Health in the Workplace; and Covid 19 Response Plan.
• Occupational Health Services are provided through clinic management, health examinations, medical records keeping, and general health care.
• Clinic Management Policy is anchored on industry and government standards, detailing all clinic processes from patient care services to handling medical records.
• Programmes for Lifestyle-Related Diseases and Recreational Facilities such as the Choose to Lose – Weight Loss Program to help employees lower cardiac risk factors. A fully equipped gym was also built with designated shower rooms.  
• Health Awareness Campaigns are health-related information disseminated through email blasts, infographics on bulletin boards, and lunch and learn activities.
• Immunisations such as flu vaccines are provided to employees and their dependents.
• Fit to Work Clearance requires compliance with pre-employment and periodic health examinations after return from an injury or illness assessment.

To help employees keep track of their wellness journey and inspire others to switch to a healthier lifestyle, the following activities are also implemented: 

• Wellbeing Diary for employees to keep track of thoughts, feelings, and daily life experiences to recognise patterns of positive changes.
• ClicktoSwitch allows employees to share online their wellness activity photos, document their positive wellness progress, and also share and promote positive lifestyles to their colleagues, family and friends.
• Wellbeing Trails is a contest that allows employees to earn points by joining wellness activities. These points can be exchanged for exciting prizes. 

II. MENTAL WELLNESS

• Mental Wellness Week emphasises the importance of Mental Wellness Awareness Campaigns, featuring activities such as Motivational Monday, GratiTuesday, Feel Good Wednesday, and Thoughtful Thursday.  “This is really to promote that we are one big family, and we are here to support one another.”
• Employee Assistance Programme is a free and 24/7 support programme offering employees and dependents counselling on topics ranging from work to personal issues. 
• Mental Health First Responders are trained Fluor employees ready to provide intervention and suicide prevention. 
• Mental Health Policy is in line with the Mental Health Act DOLE DO 208-20 and RA 11036 which covers raising awareness on mental health issues; correcting the stigma and discrimination associated with these conditions; identifying and providing support to individuals at risk. 
• Stand Up for Suicide Prevention Week lined up activities prioritising health and safety by creating safe cultures.
• Multifaith Space are prayer and meditation rooms that enable employees to reflect on their own faith without distractions.
• Headliners’ Breakfast is a monthly event held to recognise employees with key milestones, years of service, spotlight performance awards and those celebrating birthdays.   
• Psychological Safety is expressed through platforms such as the Ethics Hotline, Speaking Up learning sessions, Open Door Policy, training courses, and regular publications.

III. FINANCIAL WELLNESS

• Financial Wellness Learning on investments, understanding pay slips, bi-weekly withholding tax calculator, and a guide on how to avail statutory financial benefits are conducted.
• Town Hall is a regular event where management provides business updates.

IV. SOCIAL WELLNESS 

Fluor in the Philippines has a lot of employee-driven groups fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and talent development:

• Manila Employee Relations (MER) is a way to promote camaraderie in sports and social events. Competitions for basketball, volleyball, badminton, and billiards are held for sporty employees, as well as clinics on swimming, and mountain trail biking. For non-sporty employees, there are battle of the bands, online gaming, museum tours with family, quiz and bingo nights, and year-end celebrations.
• Graduates Advancing to ProfessionalismSM (GAP) integrates new graduates with Fluor employees, including Management and Technical Experts, for career development and helps them expand their social network.
• Growing Representation and Opportunity for WomenSM (GROW) is a mindset, focused on highlighting Fluor's equal access to opportunity for everyone.
• Emerging Leaders Group (ELG) provides mid-level employees with a networking platform amongst peers and upper-level management to encourage further career growth in Fluor. 
• PRIDE is a group that fosters a safe environment celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies.
• People of Determination (PoD)’s objective is to attract, develop, and retain qualified persons with disabilities and empower them to thrive. The physical workspace was modified to be fully accessible by including ramps, braille signage, and designated parking spaces. 
• Toastmasters International. Fluor in the Philippines is a member of this organisation for a better understanding of communication and public speaking.
• Fluor Cares® is a group of employees dedicated to giving back to global communities such as blood drives, helping the abused, providing backpacks to local schools, partnership with Mind Museum, Mangrove Planting in Cebu and Batangas, and tutoring STEM students to name a few. 
• Emergency Action Team is a group of employees who prepare for and respond to site emergency events, such as emergency evacuation from fire and earthquake incidents. 
• Mentoring Circles is a group that provides an avenue for employee development through frequent engagement with Fluor leaders.
• Professional Publications and Presentations Program (P4) was developed to encourage, guide, track, and recognise all technical publications and presentations by Fluor employees.
• NetZero is an initiative addressing the impact of climate change through managing greenhouse gas emissions, participating in Earth Hour, X-Trash Challenge, and more.

Fluor in the Philippines' remarkable achievement at the Asian Experience Awards 2023 highlights the company's commitment to prioritising its employees' physical, mental, financial and social well-being to create a rewarding experience for all of its employees. The SWITCH Wellbeing Program stands as a shining example of how an organisation can create a nurturing and empowering workplace environment, ultimately leading to enhanced employee experiences and unparalleled success.

The Asian Experience Awards is presented by Asian Business Review Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2024 awards programme and be acclaimed for providing meaningful brand experiences to stakeholders, please contact Jane Patiag at [email protected].