Payoneer Empowers SMBs with Pride, Champions DEI in the Workplace

Payoneer (NASDAQ: PAYO),  a leading financial technology company empowering the world's small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to transact, do business, and grow globally, marked Pride Month with an insightful discussion on building an inclusive workplace amid a growing borderless economy. The event, called Championing Diversity in Teams and Payments: Empowering SMEs with Pride, was held on June 27, 2024, at The Yard at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Outsourcing and FinTech leaders shared insights on fostering inclusive environments that drive innovation, enhance team dynamics, and support SMB growth. In photo, from left: Founder of Virtual Assistants Jeff Hunter; Chief Executive Officer JT Virtual Assistants Jaycee Tan; Payoneer Senior Manager, Customer Success for Southeast Asia Patricia Franciso; and the Chief People Officer of GoTyme Katherine Antunez.

“Payoneer has always been committed to empowering SMBs to cultivate a diverse and inclusive workplace. The LGBTQIA+ community is a valued member of businesses in every market, and we continue to recognize and celebrate their contributions to a better and more inclusive global market,” says Monique Avila, the Senior Director of Customer Success - APAC at Payoneer.

Chris Eugenio, board advisor at Philippine Financial & Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP), discussed the organization’s 2024 LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion Report and shared how diversity can help improve teams and propel businesses forward.

 
SMEs strengthening DE&I in the workplace
 
During his keynote address, Chris Eugenio, a board advisor at the Philippine Financial & Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP) highlighted PFIP’s 2024 LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion Report and discussed how diversity can help improve teams and propel businesses forward.
 
“Businesses have the power to create a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community. Being more inclusive, being more socially aware and responsible, casting a wider net, and making sure that you are providing equal opportunities to everyone is the right thing to do,” Eugenio shared.
 
He added, “Thankfully, we are seeing a great development for business leaders in the country in terms of DEI. There are more dedicated DE&I leaders in the workplace, and we have seen an improvement since 2021.”
 
The event also featured a panel discussion of diversity and inclusion in today’s workplace, featuring business leaders Katherine Antunez, the Chief People Officer of GoTyme; Jaycee Tan, the chief executive officer of JT Virtual Assistants and co-founding member of the Network of Outsourcing Agencies; and Jeff Hunter, the founder of Virtual Assistants.
 
“One of my main motivators is being in a work environment that aligns with the culture and values I believe in. You create a productive workforce if you foster a culture that motivates and engages your people," said Antunez.
 
Tan agreed, saying agencies like JT Virtual Assistants rely heavily on their people. She said, “As a business leader, I want to see more companies coming together to implement the DEI policy.”
 
Payoneer’s 2024 SMB Ambitions Barometer study reveals that Filipino SMBs prioritize employee’s happiness. The research reports that in the Philippines, 23% of SMBs prioritize employee satisfaction as a top business goal, surpassing the global survey average of 16%. This data highlights how SMBs in the country see the immense value that engaged and empowered employees bring to businesses.

Monique Avila, PayoneerSenior Director for Customer Success at APAC, emphasized the brand’s commitment to empowering SMBs to cultivate a more diverse and inclusive workplace during her opening remarks.

 
Diversified payments
The recent event also highlights Payoneer’s commitment to providing an inclusive global marketplace for SMBs to grow and develop. The platform’s diverse variety of payment solutions reflects this, helping its customers grow into larger businesses.
 
The world’s go-to partner for digital commerce recently launched its contributor role, where an account holder can appoint someone from their team to do financial tasks like sending payment requests to clients. Payoneer has also recently added PayPal as a payment method, alongside credit cards and bank transfers, so businesses can send payment requests to clients abroad and receive their fees via the platform.
 
Today, Payoneer is trusted by the world’s leading digital brands, which serve over 2,000 top marketplaces and digital platforms in industries such as e-commerce, information technology, marketing, wholesale, exporting, and more.
 
“Everyone deserves an equal opportunity to succeed and be heard. When businesses give everyone a voice, the sector can succeed and grow globally,” ends Avila.