Award-winning call center SYKES was once again recognized as the BPO Company of the Year by the Asia Leaders Awards. The company was awarded for its exemplary commitment to driving and improving the local business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, while still going above and beyond expectations with its pandemic response.
“Winning the award for three straight years is a testament to SYKES’ passion, commitment to excellence, and solid teamwork to serve our clients, customers, employees, and community. Although 2020 has not been an easy year for everyone, we have not lost sight of our purpose. We endeavored to beat the odds and continue to operate our business thriving under the new normal. We appreciate that international business awards such as Asia Leaders Awards recognized our hard work in staying true to our mission of helping and serving people one caring interaction at a time,” said Shane Baetz, Vice President Regional Support Services, APAC operations.
Recognizing global excellence among its awardees, the Asia Leaders Awards annually acknowledges industry leaders who are making significant changes not only in their respective fields, but also promoting the Philippines as a premier business hub in Asia and beyond. Its awards committee is made up of esteemed organizations and accomplished individuals from different industries.
The BPO Company of the Year award is given to the organization that best demonstrates outstanding BPO management, work culture and environment, and consistent pursuit of excellence and value. SYKES continues to be an industry frontrunner in this regard, having showcased all these qualities and achievements, on top of delivering solutions amid the challenges of the pandemic.
With limited time and resources, the company was able to adjust its business model and quickly adopted an effective work-from-home setup, which has enabled 75-100% of its entire workforce to work remotely. In doing so, it deployed thousands of PC sets, complete with accessories and office chairs, and provided WiFi allowance to those who are amenable to the setup. Meanwhile, for those who still reported on-site, SYKES offered free temporary accommodations with shuttle services and food provisions. It has also increased sanitary and physical distancing measures within the office premises and provided all employees with a care package consisting of a face mask, face shield, and alcohol or hand sanitizer.
Displaying resilience, courage, and an indomitable spirit, SYKES has ensured uninterrupted business operations throughout the entire year and was even able to expand its workforce, employing thousands of displaced Filipino workers. Its business continuity plan was carried out successfully because of the teamwork, agility, and laser-like focus of leaders and team members alike.
SYKES also bagged the prestigious award due to its high-performance workplace that fosters employee engagement and continuous improvement through staff motivation, training, and coaching and development. A significant component of its employee-engagement effort is its SYKES Choices (for Manila sites) and Involve (for Cebu sites) programs. Comprised of 20 interest clubs, the programs hold several activities wherein SYKESers can showcase their talents and hobbies while having fun and developing bonds with coworkers. In the time of the pandemic, these clubs served as an avenue for the employees to pursue their passions and achieve work-life balance.
Furthermore, the BPO industry pioneer’s long-established skill development programs such as the SYKES ALPHA (Accelerated Leadership Program for High Achievers) and the Career Selfie help SYKESers unlock their full potential and empower them towards career growth. This year, despite having to work separately, SYKES was able to achieve great success and maintain activities under these programs to ensure that employees still gain professional progress.
With its excellence in the face of disruption, SYKES was also recognized by various award-giving bodies across different categories in the past year. It won two trophies from the Stevie Awards, namely a Silver Stevie for the Most Innovative Work-From-Home Plan and a Bronze Stevie for the Most Innovative Workplace Redesign. SYKES was also hailed as the Top Employer of the Year by the Asia CEO Awards.
2020 truly was a year unlike any other, but the BPO company is proud to have risen above every challenge while nurturing the development of its people, clients, and community.
“SYKES is very grateful for the different industry recognitions that we have received. We carry them with pride and gratitude together with our close to 18,000-strong employees in the country. As we grow our family here in the Philippines, we believe that these recognitions speak for the culture of our organization where each member is given an incredible opportunity to work, learn, and grow,” said Baetz.
Multi-awarded by local and international business awards every year, SYKES has established its position as a frontrunner of the BPO industry. It has earned its reputation by ensuring that its people are always prioritized to meet the needs and expectations of its clients.
