A diverse and inclusive workplace is one that makes all
employees, regardless of who they are or how they contribute to the
organization, feel equally involved in and supported in all areas of the
workplace. It enables equal opportunities for everyone to succeed, learn, and
advance. True inclusion welcomes and supports people with all kinds of
differences.
Integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the
company culture can be a challenge for some organizations. FedEx prides itself
in its People-first philosophy and has always recognized the value of a
workforce that is as diverse as the world it serves.
DEI at work
Clai Mendiola, Senior Human Resources Specialist at FedEx
Express Philippines, has been in the industry for more than 16 years and has
spent the last five with a disability. Clai had an unfortunate accident that
impacted her ability to walk. Despite her ordeal, it was the support of her FedEx
colleagues that gave Clai the strength and willpower to go back to work after
the accident.
“During this turbulent period, I remained positive
because everybody was helpful and encouraging. I never felt that I was discriminated
against,” Clai said.
Clai continues to advance in her career and contributes
positively to the company. She leads human resource projects and has been
recognized by FedEx with employee awards that reward her hard work.
Joseph Aguinaldo, Operations Manager at FedEx Express Philippines,
took many years to openly talk about his auto-immune and blood disorder, which
sometimes impairs his ability to work.
He emphasized that having a strong support group that
empowers you is a vital factor in embracing your situation. “I have friends,
loved ones, and colleagues who have assured me that we can face these
challenges together,” said Joseph.
As an active member of the DEI community at FedEx, Joseph
extends the same support that he has received to others. He has been
instrumental in successfully recruiting individuals with disabilities to join
the company.
The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA)
recognized the exemplary work of Clai and Joseph with the Husay Award. FedEx also received the
Disability Inclusive Workplace Award, the first of its kind ever awarded by the
NCDA. This award is given to companies with effective inclusivity programs.
“We are extremely pleased to see what we have achieved so
far, but we know that we must continue to ensure that our commitment to DEI is
at the forefront of our business strategy. Our people-centric culture not only
unites us as we serve our customers across the country, it also fuels our
commitment to better support local businesses and our employees,” said Maribeth
Espinosa, Managing Director, FedEx Express Philippines.
One of the many ways FedEx champions inclusivity in the
workplace is by ensuring a safe and nurturing work environment for everyone. The
company’s efforts have resulted in the receiving of accolades from HR Excellence Awards Philippines and HR Asia
Awards in 2022.
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