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Unilever shows how a workforce that is developed with inclusivity builds intentional brands
As a globally influential force in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) market, Unilever has both the privilege and the responsibility to make big waves for a more inclusive and equity-driven world. The company is not only aware of this but is actively working to build this future with its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) values embedded across all stakeholders in the organization.
Unilever Philippines wants to better its entire ecosystem through the Filipino value of malasakit, from employees to suppliers to consumers. With Unilever Philippines, the ripples begin within their workforce.
Progressive workplace policies
“At Unilever, our equity ambition is to ‘unlimit’ people’s potential,” said Geeta Royyuru, Unilever Philippines HR head and Beauty & Wellness – Southeast Asia HR lead on Unilever’s ED&I. One way they do this is by uplifting their employees’ family life with progressive workplace policies.
For example, Unilever Philippines provides a 120-day expanded maternity benefit complemented by a 20-day paid paternity leave – both significantly longer than the Philippines’ legally mandated periods. Employees who adopt children aged six months and below are also granted paid leave. For onsite duties, daycare and nursing facilities are available in the Unilever Philippines office for parents to utilize.
Also, Unilever recognizes all forms of families and provides healthcare access in accordance with its Domestic Partner policy.
Unilever believes that by helping their employees show up for their families, they can show up the same way for work. “It starts with having deep empathy that not everyone gets to start from the same place, and then leading by example with intentional people and workplace practices that offer equitable opportunities,” says Royyuru.
Diversity in the value chain
Widening the scope to their partners, Unilever Philippines actively empowers SMEs and women-led businesses. They do these through initiatives like the Kabisig Summit, where they provide business and skills training for sari-sari store owners.
For women empowerment, Unilever Philippines has Misis Walastik, a program that provides upskilling and livelihood opportunities for the informal sector’s Filipina waste pickers. Surf’s Wais University also equips Filipina moms with a free online entrepreneurial certification program to pursue their business dreams.
On the intern level, Unilever Philippines empowers students outside of Metro Manila and usual hiring pools through U-Fresh. This is a six-month diversity-driven internship program providing mentorship, stretching projects, and skills training. The program is part of the company’s dedication to build an organization that reflects its equally diverse consumers from across the country.
Uplifting diversity with consumers
The company aims to bring its ED&I values even to its consumers. Harnessing the influence of their public presence, Unilever’s marketing practices revolve around their ‘Unstereotype’ movement. Each Unilever brand must have an ‘Unstereotype’ charter to ensure inclusivity in its DNA and end-to-end creative process.
Unilever brands are encouraged to have representation of diverse demographics and eradicate any digital alterations to photography. There is a complete ban on changing a model’s body shape, size, proportion, and skin color.
“We need to make sure we know all our shoppers, not just a few. and I think that’s inclusivity in action – knowing, understanding and respecting the needs of your consumers and shoppers and finding ways to delight them,” said Richard Velasquez, Home Care Southeast Asia and Philippines head of Customer Strategy & Planning.
As you may have heard from the superhero adage, with great power comes great responsibility – and it looks like Unilever is stepping up to meet that expectation for all their stakeholders. To learn more about Unilever’s equality, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I) initiatives, read more on the Unilever website. – Rappler.com
