Being an organization that people aspire to work for is not an easy or quick achievement. The Union Bank of the Philippines has implemented numerous programs and measures to attract top talent in the industry while ensuring that employees remain engaged and motivated. With a workforce of over 2,800 employees, known as UnionBankers, the bank provides access to engagement programs, workplace benefits, and a thriving organizational culture.
UnionBankers are equipped with the necessary tools, training, and preparation to excel in their roles. Beyond professional development, they are consistently informed about how their contributions impact the bank’s success. The organization fosters a sense of belonging and offers opportunities for continuous learning and growth.
Prioritizing Employee Development
The bank’s Human Resources policies ensure that team members attend at least three training programs per year, preventing skill stagnation and keeping employees at the forefront of industry knowledge.
Union Bank also emphasizes the importance of a strong internal community. Through the UCare program, UnionBankers participate in company-wide activities that build camaraderie. Taking this sense of community beyond the workplace, the GoBeyond Communities initiative serves as the bank’s primary Corporate Social Responsibility campaign, encouraging employees to contribute their time and skills to help those in need. Employees participate in at least one GoBeyond Community project, which may involve food distribution, visiting the sick and elderly, developing livelihood programs for disadvantaged communities, environmental clean-ups, and reforestation efforts in coastal and mangrove areas.
Fostering a Strong Organizational Culture
Improving workplace culture is a key focus for Union Bank. Two self-managed team programs, Culture Conversation (C2) and REACH teams, drive collaboration and innovation. Culture Conversation consists of seven cross-functional executive teams working on areas such as innovation, value-based governance, customer experience, and sustainability. The REACH program consists of 30 unit-based teams led by managers and staff who focus on SmartBanking goals. These programs promote teamwork across departments and reinforce a strong cultural foundation.
UnionBank also incorporates storytelling to strengthen its culture. The Celebrating DNA Stories program trains employees in storytelling, emphasizing the power of compelling narratives to inspire and connect. The bank’s Chairman and CEO, Justo A. Ortiz, personally visits workplaces to present and celebrate selected employee stories, reinforcing the values and purpose of the organization.
Recognition is an essential aspect of Union Bank’s culture. The Heroes and Champions program acknowledges employees for outstanding contributions. More than just an HR initiative, the bank’s human resources department functions as a strategic business partner, creating people-centric solutions that empower employees to reach their full potential—an essential factor in long-term business success.
Enhancing Employee Engagement and Communication
The Human Resources team plays a vital role in shaping company culture, attracting the right talent, and developing expertise within the organization. A key focus is ensuring that employees remain engaged, as engaged employees are more likely to create positive customer experiences, which, in turn, sustain the bank’s growth.
Effective communication is a cornerstone of Union Bank’s culture. Regular town hall meetings provide a platform for open discussions about the company’s performance and direction. Weekly and quarterly committee meetings, as well as business reviews, ensure employees stay informed about key developments. Additionally, an internal web portal, Great2BeU, serves as a hub for HR policies, updates, and communication materials, keeping all UnionBankers connected.
Commitment to Competency Development
Union Bank places a strong emphasis on continuous learning and career development. The UnionBank University operates ten specialized academies: Operations, IT, Finance, Six Sigma, Risk, Leadership and Management, Self-Mastery, Marketing, Sales Boot Camp, and Innovation Academy. Employees can access courses through both traditional classroom settings and e-learning platforms.
Supporting career growth, the MyCareer program allows employees to take ownership of their professional development by crafting personalized career plans. This initiative is complemented by My Performance, which integrates feedback and coaching. The program emphasizes forward-thinking coaching conversations, focusing on how employees can improve rather than dwelling on past performance.
Balancing Work and Life
Union Bank also prioritizes employee well-being through social activities. The UCare program includes four key clusters: Happy You, Smart You, Secure You, and Healthy You. The bank’s social calendar features events such as Christmas Celebrations, Volunteer Day, and Spooktacular (Bring Your Kids to Work Day). Employees can also participate in running clubs, financial literacy workshops, book clubs, dance crews, and other community-driven initiatives, encouraging personal growth and work-life balance.
A Workplace That Inspires
Union Bank’s leadership believes that the organization is one of the best companies to work for due to its strong culture and visionary leadership. Employees are encouraged to be their best selves and supported in their professional journeys. A strong sense of belonging and shared purpose defines the workplace environment.
The bank’s efforts have yielded tangible results. An employee engagement survey highlighted the three most valued aspects of working at Union Bank: clarity on job expectations, understanding the significance of individual contributions to the company’s success, and a workplace culture where colleagues genuinely care for one another.
Through its commitment to professional development, community engagement, and workplace culture, Union Bank continues to build a company where people not only want to work but thrive.
