Upon joining Globe in March, Cristina Guanzon seamlessly integrated into the team, despite living with deafness. She found no difficulty collaborating with her colleagues, who eagerly embraced her unique communication needs.
“One of the first things my colleagues asked was how to sign some phrases and that I share my world through sign language classes. I appreciate my colleagues making an effort to sign simple greetings of ‘good morning’ and ‘thank you’ after meetings,” shared Guanzon, a Lead Expert for UI in Globe’s Product Engineering and Digital Growth (PDEG) team.
“They also willingly adjusted their communication methods, like speaking on my stronger side and allowing me to lip-read. Their patience and understanding touched me profoundly, reinforcing my gratitude for their acceptance,” added Guanzon.
Such positive feedback from employees reflects Globe’s commitment to fostering workplace inclusivity, exemplified by its recent disability sensitivity training initiative. The training aims to ensure all employees feel valued and supported, fostering a culture of empathy and acceptance.
Globe recently conducted its inaugural disability sensitivity training, providing participants with insights into disability awareness, effective communication strategies, and proper interaction with Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the workplace. The training, facilitated with support from the Philippine Business and Disability Network (PBDN), underscored the importance of workplace accessibility for PWDs.
“Through our disability sensitivity training program and partnership with PBDN, we are actively breaking down barriers so every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive and contribute to our collective success. This is just the beginning of our journey towards building a truly inclusive workplace culture,” said Renato Jiao, Chief Human Resources Officer at Globe.
Arvin John Mayor, UI Design Manager and colleague of Guanzon, attested to the training’s impact, highlighting its role in promoting inclusivity and respect in the workplace.
“This applies to workplaces, educational institutions, and public spaces, ensuring that we are treating people with disabilities with respect and dignity. This includes asking before offering assistance, being mindful of personal space, and communicating directly with the person,” said Mayor.
Such training initiatives are vital for creating a friendly work environment for all employees, with Globe’s PWD members already feeling the positive effects.
Guanzon expressed gratitude for the training, noting its role in fostering understanding and empathy among colleagues towards the challenges faced by PWDs.
“It makes me feel hopeful that people and the world can be more inclusive. It reminds me that we hold the power to create environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued,” she remarked.
Globe’s proactive approach towards promoting disability awareness aligns with its commitment to establishing a workplace where all employees feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to achieve their full potential. Regular sensitivity training sessions are conducted for teams, squads, and other employees with PWD members, further reinforcing Globe’s dedication to inclusivity and empathy.
Stay updated on Globe’s inclusivity initiatives by following its social media channels:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectInclusionPH
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/philippine-business-and-disability-network/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PBDNph/
To learn more about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.
