A celebration of raising workplace standards

Companies honored for excellent workplace practices at BusinessWorld Best Places To Work Awards

By Mhicole A. Moral, Special Features and Content Writer

Workplace quality became a clearer measure of how companies supported their people and built long-term growth. Many workers looked for offices that valued open communication, personal well-being, and a sense of purpose. Because of this, employers faced higher expectations to create systems that helped both staff and business goals.

This trend shaped the BusinessWorld Best Places to Work 2025 Awards, held on Dec. 2 at Dusit Thani Manila, recognizing companies from different sectors that built environments where employees felt supported and heard.

BusinessWorld Editor-in-Chief Cathy Rose A. Garcia opened the program by addressing the global drop in worker engagement and the mixed reaction to artificial intelligence (AI). She said many employees worldwide had expressed uncertainty about the future of their work but noted that the companies honored in this year’s awards proved that growth and people could move forward together.

“For the first time in decades, technology isn’t just changing how you work. It’s challenging the very foundation of entire professions. But we all know AI is simply a tool, not a bogeyman, not a catastrophe threatening to take people’s jobs. The real issue here is leadership, culture, how organizations guide their people through this transition,” she explained.

Ms. Garcia also noted that WorkL’s Six Steps to Workplace Happiness — reward and recognition, information sharing, empowerment, well-being, pride, and job satisfaction — are significant indicators that shape a strong workplace. She said that these factors came from measurable experiences that showed how employees truly felt about their jobs.

“The result is a grounded, evidence-based standard that says, this is what a strong workplace actually looks like in the lived experience of people. With that foundation, the organizations recognized today share a very distinct DNA. They are companies that reap [a] culture of something fundamental to their success,” she added.

In a recorded message Lord Mark Price, founder of WorkL, noted that the employee engagement platform conducted the surveys for the awards. He explained that the research collected hundreds of millions of data points worldwide that examined different aspects of workplace quality.

“As you know, we use data points to understand the factors that attract and motivate employees. These include information sharing, empowerment, well-being, pride, and job satisfaction. All of you scored highly across these areas. This means you not only excel at creating positive employee experiences, but you also demonstrate that strong engagement leads to stronger business outcomes,” he said.

The WorkL founder added that the Philippine awardees performed strongly across categories that measured how well employees felt supported.

“The companies with the happiest employees often deliver the best performance, highest productivity, and most sustainable success,” Mr. Price shared.

Marife B. Zamora, board director of BusinessWorld, continued the message of leadership development during her talk. Drawing from decades of experience in multinational companies and corporate boards, she noted that workplaces with engaged employees performed better because people stayed motivated and involved in daily operations.

“Your organizations need leaders at every level who can adapt, inspire through uncertainty, [and] who can turn disruption into opportunity. You can acquire your way to that kind of leadership bench. You have to build it,” she added.

Ms. Zamora encouraged companies to identify future leaders among their workforce and give managers the training needed to support their teams. She said leadership should be part of regular work culture instead of something limited to executives.

“The foundation is already there. You have created workplaces where people are valued, engaged, and supported. Now, take the next step. Make leadership [as] fundamental to your culture as it [already is],” Ms. Zamora explained.

Topping among the best

SMX Convention Center was named the overall winner of the BusinessWorld Best Places to Work 2025 Awards. The organization also earned recognition across nine categories, highlighting its standing as a leading workplace in the Philippines.

Walid Wafik, senior vice-president for operations of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC), accepted the top honor on behalf of SMX Convention Center. In his speech, he said the recognition affirmed the company’s commitment to building a workplace where every employee felt heard and supported.

“To be recognized by BusinessWorld as one of the best places to work in 2025, not just once, but across nine awards categories, is truly an honor that reflects the commitment, spirit, and heart of every individual in our organization. At every turn, we strive to build a workplace where collaboration, pride, and every voice matters,” he said.

Mr. Wafik detailed SMX’s ongoing investment in mentorship programs, learning initiatives, and mental and emotional well-being support. He said these efforts equipped employees with the confidence to perform at their best while contributing to organizational goals.

“At SMX Convention Center, we are reminded every day that our success is built not on structures or stages, but on the people who bring them to life,” Mr. Wafik added. “As we look to the future, we aim to continuously create spaces that inspire, uplift, and empower together.”

SMX also won the Grand Award for medium-sized organizations, women, employees aged 16-34, and overall employee well-being. It also received the Excellence Award for employees aged 55 and above, along with Merit Awards recognizing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ+) employees, and persons with disabilities.

In addition, SMX said the awards reflected the daily efforts of its staff and confirmed that the workplace culture they were building was tangible and appreciated.

“[This recognition] gives us a sense of pride and gratitude because it reflects the everyday efforts of our people. It affirms that the culture we are building is real, felt, and appreciated. Most of all, it inspires us to continue creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and proud to be part of the SMX Convention Center,” the company said in an email.

When asked about future plans for improving the work experience, SMX explained the recognition encouraged the company to strengthen the employee experience further.

“As we expand, we look forward to creating more opportunities for the next generation of talent to experience a workplace built on purpose, learning, and connection. This allows us to share who we are, what we stand for, and why SMX is not only a place to build a career but truly one of the best places to work,” SMX added.

Ayala Land Hospitality claimed the top honor for large organizations, while Filinvest Alabang, Inc. earned top recognition as the leading workplace for employees aged 55 and above.

“Earning recognition as one of the best places to work motivates Filinvest Alabang, Inc. to further enhance the employee experience and build on the culture that earned this distinction. Our focus now is on deepening engagement, expanding professional development, and strengthening well-being initiatives through targeted learning programs and additional resources that support personal and professional growth,” Filinvest shared.

Filipino Homes received multiple Grand Awards, including the top awards for small organizations and for workforces aged 16 to 34. The company also received Excellence Awards for overall performance, women, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ representation, employees aged 55 and above, and employee well-being.

“Being included in BusinessWorld’s and WorkL’s inaugural Best Places to Work list is both an honor and a validation of our commitment to people-first values. At Filipino Homes, we believe that success in real estate is built not only on properties but on people — our team, our partners, and the communities we serve,” the company shared.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) was recognized as the leading workplace for very large organizations. The company credited the award to its “People First” philosophy.

“For our organization, it reaffirms that our consistent and strategic investment in our people directly translates into service excellence, as evidenced by our recognition as Best Customer Experience Bank in the Philippines at the International Finance Awards in 2024,” said RCBC.

In addition to the highest recognition, RCBC won Merit Awards in several categories, including overall performance, women, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ representation, employees with disabilities, youth aged 16-24, employees aged 55 and above, and employee well-being.

SMHCC earned a Grand Award for supporting ethnic minorities and employees with disabilities. The company emphasized that the award reflected the active implementation of its service culture.

“SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. being included in BusinessWorld’s and WorkL’s inaugural Best Places to Work list is an incredible honor and a meaningful affirmation of the WE GO BEYOND service culture we continue to build. It is a clear testament that our company’s core values are alive in our actions, decisions, and relationships,” said the company.

SLI Consulting, Inc. received Grand Awards for LGBTQ+ representation, employees with disabilities, and youth engagement, while WeFund Lending Corp., the operator of lending platform JuanHand, was recognized as the top workplace for employees aged 55 and above.

“Being a certified Best Place to Work raises our employer brand and sends a strong message to current and future talent. It shows that JuanHand is a place where people can build meaningful careers, feel supported, and grow,” WeFund stated, adding that its commitment to genuine care sets the company apart, with leaders empowered to celebrate wins, acknowledge challenges honestly, and give space for people to grow.

Excellence in the workplace

Damosa Land, Inc. earned the Excellence Award for its programs supporting employees aged 55 and older. The company also received Merit Awards in multiple categories, including overall performance, medium-sized organizations, support for women, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ employees, younger workers aged 16 to 34, and employee well-being.

“Behind every company’s success are the people who give their time, energy, and passion every single day. They are the heart of the organization, and their dedication is the true driving force behind any achievement,” the company explained.

DDB Group Philippines bagged the Excellence Award for supporting LGBTQ+ and disabled employees. The company also got Merit Awards for overall performance, medium-sized organizations, support for women, employees aged 16-34 and 55 and older, and employee well-being.

“DDB Group’s approach to employee well-being is holistic, intentional, and deeply embedded in our operating system. We don’t treat wellness as a program; it is part of our DNA. Through our Holistic Health framework, we support personal, mental, physical, spiritual, and career well-being in integrated ways,” it shared.

Federal Land, Inc. also received the Excellence Award for employees aged 55 and older. The company earned Merit Awards in several categories, including overall performance, support for large organizations, initiatives for women, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ employees, younger workers, and persons with disabilities, as well as employee well-being programs.

The company said its next step is focused on continuing to enhance the employee experience, strengthening feedback mechanisms, expanding wellness and learning programs, and creating more opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

“This recognition validates the culture we’ve worked hard to build: one that prioritizes employee well-being, growth, and collaboration. It reinforces our belief that, beyond our projects, our people are our greatest asset,” Federal Land added.

eBiZolution, Inc. bagged the Excellence Award for supporting LGBTQ+ and Merit Awards for its overall performance, medium-sized organizations, employee well-being, ages 16-34, ages 55 and above, and initiatives for women.

“Our next steps include expanding employee programs, strengthening career development, refining growth pathways, and enhancing our overall work environment. We want our people to see that they have a long, meaningful future with us,” eBiZolution shared.

MUFG Bank Ltd. — Manila Branch received the Excellence Award for initiatives supporting ethnic minorities. The bank also earned Merit Awards in nearly all other categories, including overall performance, medium-sized organizations, support for women, LGBTQ+ employees, disabled employees, employees aged 16 to 34 and 55 and older, and employee well-being.

“What sets us apart is that our approach to well-being isn’t a one-off program. It’s built into how we work every day,” the bank explained. “We listen closely to our people through regular check-ins, from new hires to long-tenured employees, and we use their feedback to shape real improvements. Our five-pillar Well-being Framework also helps us support employees in a more holistic way, from mental and social well-being to career and financial growth.”

Meanwhile, Ovialand, Inc. earned Excellence Awards for initiatives supporting women, ethnic minorities, and employees aged 55 and older. The company received Merit Awards for overall performance, medium-sized organizations, LGBTQ+ employees, younger workers, and employee well-being.

“Here at Ovialand, our employees are an integral part of our ‘OLI Core,’ shaping everything we do. Our culture is grounded in growth mindset, trust, open communication, and respect — values that are not just ideals but genuinely practiced. This creates an environment where every voice is heard, every idea is welcomed, and every contribution is recognized,” said the company.

PNB Holdings Corp. received Excellence Awards for overall performance, medium organizations, women, LGBTQ+ employees, persons with disabilities, and employees aged 55 and older. Merit Awards included ethnic minorities, younger workers, and employee well-being.

The bank said its core values of taking care of employees were rooted in the leadership of Lucio C. Tan and Karlu T. Say.

Scholastic Philippines, Inc. also received recognition, securing Excellence Awards in the LGBTQ+ and disabled categories. Merit Awards reflected the company’s efforts in overall performance, medium organization management, support for women, younger employees, and initiatives for employee well-being.

“Leadership has been one of the important factors to creating the kind of workplace that earned this recognition. Our leaders lead by example, promote open communication, and make sure every employee feels respected and heard. They focus on building trust, encouraging collaboration, and supporting both personal and professional growth. This consistent approach has helped shape a culture where people feel valued and motivated to do their best,” said Scholastic Philippines.

Villaruz, Villaruz & Co. CPAs achieved Excellence Awards for employees with disabilities and those aged 55 and older. Merit Awards covered overall performance, medium organizations, women, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ employees, younger workers, and employee well-being.

The firm said it is consistent in balancing professional excellence and genuine care for employees, by offering competitive compensation packages, flexible hybrid work arrangements, and meaningful activities.

“Our core values — commitment, integrity, respect, client care and communications, leadership and loyalty, excellence, innovation, teamwork, and timeliness — are not just statements on paper; they guide our daily interactions and decisions,” it added. “We strive to create an environment where employees can excel professionally while maintaining a healthy and fulfilling personal life.”

Asian Hospital and Medical Center and Asticom Holding Co., Inc. received the Merit Awards for overall performance, employee well-being, support for women, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ employees, persons with disabilities, and programs for both young employees aged 16 to 34 and those aged 55 and above.

“Asian Hospital makes a conscious effort to drive the highest possible level of employee engagement. Key to this is listening to our employees to ensure that their needs are addressed not only in terms of compensation and benefits but also with regards to a workplace culture that ensures that our employees are happy at work,” Asian Hospital said.

On the other hand, Asticom expressed that it was honored to be part of BusinessWorld’s and WorkL’s inaugural Best Places to Work list, as it showed its commitment to cultivating a workplace where people felt valued and empowered to thrive.

“Earning this recognition as we celebrate Asticom’s 10th year is truly special. It reflects a decade of dedication to building a workplace where people feel valued, empowered, and inspired. While we are honored by what we have accomplished, we know that creating an exceptional work experience is an ongoing journey,” the firm explained.

Cebu Air, Inc. (CEB) and Makati Medical Center received Merit Awards for very large organizations, overall performance, support for women, LGBTQ+ employees, persons with disabilities, and employee well-being programs.

“At CEB, we’ve always been inspired by global best practices, and now, we hope this recognition motivates other companies in the Philippines to focus more on their employee experience,” Cebu Air noted.

Similarly, Makati Medical Center said the recognition reminded it that people drive success in every industry.

“In the Philippines, where workplaces are built on shared values and a strong sense of community, such awards inspire organizations to go beyond compliance and business goals to genuinely invest in their employees’ growth, well-being, and sense of belonging,” it added.

Reyes Tacandong & Co. received recognition in all large-organization categories, including overall, women, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+, disabled employees, age-specific groups, and employee well-being.

“In a profession that will always be demanding, this recognition carries extra weight because it reflects how our people actually experience the firm day to day,” the company noted. “It tells us we are on the right track in our mission to be one of the best firms where top talents stay, grow, and thrive.”

Merit Awards were also given to Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies, Inc. (BEST) and LSERV Corp. for medium-sized organizations, overall performance, support for women, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ employees, and well-being programs for different age groups.

“Acknowledging an employee’s achievements directly impacts their motivation and self-esteem, encouraging them to continue performing well and even go above and beyond their regular duties,” BEST said.

LSERV Corp. mentioned that it was honored to be part of the inaugural Best Places to Work list, especially because the recognition comes directly from its employees.

“For us, more than an award, this is a confirmation of what we have built and what we stand for as an organization. As the country’s largest service provider operating under DoLE Department Order 174, we carry a responsibility not only to our clients but to the thousands of Filipinos who trust us with their livelihoods,” LSERV explained.

Built on data-driven standards

The program, produced in partnership with WorkL, highlighted companies that met strict benchmarks based on staff sentiment and verified engagement data.

WorkL’s assessment used 31 questions developed by behavioral scientists, analysts, and workplace experts. The survey measured six areas that shaped employee experience: reward and recognition, instilling pride, information sharing, empowerment, well-being, and job satisfaction.

A firm needed at least a 70% overall engagement score to qualify for accreditation. Scores were based on how employees rated their workplace and were compared with data from more than 85,000 organizations in WorkL’s global benchmark. To secure valid results, employers had to reach minimum response rates, ranging from 50% for small groups to 25% for very large ones.

Organizations also submitted supplementary information to provide context for their survey results. WorkL reviewed both data sets before finalizing the honors.