BPO-based resource group creates inclusive spaces for gender expression

TELUS International Philippines embraced and celebrated Diversity and Inclusiveness in the workplace before many others. The company has active employee resource groups that highlight opportunities for more inclusive decision making across the leadership community; and one of those groups is Spectrum Philippines.  Its very own LGBTQIA+ resource group that encourages leaders and all team members to embrace gender diversity programs, and ensure the unique needs of the LGBTQIA+ community are considered in workplace programs like benefits, recruitment activities, and facilities.

As one of the country’s leading customer experience and business process solutions companies, TELUS International Philippines has six sites across Metro Manila.

As a cornerstone of the company’s commitment to inclusiveness, Spectrum, since its inception in 2014, has provided team members from the LGBTQIA+ community a platform to make the workplace culture more accepting, and the benefits and facilities more inclusive. Through the years, the group has become a venue for a healthy exchange of ideas and knowledge that enables team members to feel more comfortable and at home within the company. Spectrum Philippines currently has 867 members.

A recent study by the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce shows that BPO companies are at the forefront of creating gender-diverse workplaces in the country. For the last five years, TELUS International Philippines has set the benchmark in ensuring safe and thriving spaces for the LGBTQI+ and in developing allies in a highly welcoming environment.

Spectrum Philippines co-chair Bogs Orial, who has been with TELUS International Philippines for 15 years, has seen how the company has evolved into a sanctuary for gender diversity. “We know we are heading in the right direction when our team members can come to work as their true, full selves. Without fear of being judged or discriminated, our team members are inspired to be better in what they do,” says Orial.

Breaking down archaic office practices

To members of the LGBTQIA+ community, apart from dealing with outright discrimination, workplace practices like dress codes which do not take into consideration employees’ gender identity, the use of gender-specific bathrooms, and filling up administrative forms can present challenges that they must hurdle each day. (PR)