More than its innovative services and solutions, Cocolife is recognized for its ability to consistently attract and retain top talents in the insurance industry, grounded in genuinely caring for its people, as it has received the Best Companies to Work for in Asia – Philippines award from HR Asia for four years in a row.
“This award reflects Cocolife’s unwavering commitment to its mission of prioritizing people alongside business success, and its vision of creating a workplace culture that is empowering, transparent, and purpose-driven,” Rita Aurora Bernad, first vice-president and head of the Compensation and Benefits Department at Cocolife, said.
A number of organizations speak of teamwork and collaboration, but only a few, like Cocolife, cultivate a culture where people feel connected and supported.
On building reputation
In a competitive job market, it becomes an additional challenge to find a company that puts its employees as the topmost priority. With its latest recognition, Cocolife is further acknowledged as a people-oriented workplace within the industry.
“Our company intends to maintain its reputation as one of the best workplaces in the country across Asia by fostering a culture that actively listens to employee feedback, responds thoughtfully, and adapts proactively to the evolving needs of the workforce and the broader environment,” Ms. Bernad said.
Cocolife has constituted programs for awards and recognitions. These include service and sales awards such as Gawad Sanghaya and CHAMPs. Spotlight features centered on studies and certifications are also valued to encourage growth and enhance employee morale. Employee attrition is also monitored to identify gaps.
“Engagement initiatives are thoughtfully designed to cater to specific groups of employees who share common interests and passions,” Vice-President and Talent Acquisition, Development and Engagement Department Head Roger Martin Ruiz added. “These programs foster a vibrant, supportive environment that nurtures both professional development and personal connection.”
Leadership practices
Acknowledging as well that leadership is not about merely practicing power but guiding people toward a shared vision, Cocolife is also building up the capabilities of its leaders to understand people and lead by example.
“Cocolife invests in ongoing leadership development and accountability,” Ms. Bernad shared. “Leaders are not only expected to set the tone but also to serve as role models who inspire trust and uphold the company’s standards in their day-to-day interactions. The company’s core values and principles are strongly upheld.”
One of their strategies to ensure such is their internal engagement survey, which is a feedback mechanism that provides insights from their constituents to leaders. The survey implies a democratic approach, wherein employees are free to share their sentiments in exchange of leaders reflecting and adjusting to the needs of organizational goals. By doing so, Cocolife’s leaders empower their teams not just to succeed, but to thrive as individuals.
Community over competition
In a world where work often feels like a race against time, being part of a company that values a sense of community can be transformative.
Cocolife is creating a space where employees get to enjoy without compromising services by merging the Filipino familial culture and a human-centered approach.
“[The] management actively supports collaboration across divisions and departments, encouraging teamwork and unity throughout the organization,” Mr. Ruiz shared.
Furthermore, a group of Engagement Ambassadors was established to lead initiatives and cultivate partnerships to further enhance employee engagement. Programs include “Decor Your Floor” contests, exhibition games, fellowship programs, and corporate social events (such as anniversary and Christmas parties) that also aim to celebrate shared successes.
Cocolife also has blood donation drives, outreach activities, and calamity relief operations, which highlight the company’s dedication to building communities beyond good internal governance.
Through social responsibility, Cocolife fosters a culture of care both within and beyond the workplace.
Nurturing employee health
A good company sees its people not as mere resources to be maximized, but as human beings to be nurtured. As much as it values the health of its clients, Cocolife promotes physical wellness among its employees through promotion of sports and participation in both internal and external tournaments.
“Our MOVE program serves as a transformative fitness initiative that motivates employees to break unhealthy habits and commit to sustainable health and wellness goals,” Ms. Bernad shared.
With mental health increasingly recognized as an integral factor to human productivity, Cocolife has partnered with MindYou to provide professional counseling services covered under their Healthcard program.
Through its initiatives in building a well-rounded workplace culture, Cocolife has testified that when people within an organization are cared for — leaders listen, employees uplift one another, and every action is guided by empathy and respect — they naturally care for the clients they serve. An environment where everyone belongs, contributes, and grows together, creating valuable and innovative services.
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