Customer experience (CX) company Foundever is strengthening its local hiring strategy through an enhanced Employee Referral Program (ERP) to attract and retain top talent amid an increasingly competitive job market.

“In today’s highly competitive job market, especially in the CX industry where the workforce is largely composed of young professionals, traditional recruitment methods may no longer be compelling enough,” said Willy Lim, Vice-President for Talent Acquisition at Foundever in the Philippines, over the weekend.

“We need to be creative in selling ourselves better as an attractive option for job seekers,” he added.

The ERP is designed to accelerate hiring and enhance employee engagement and overall business performance. Lim said the program has contributed to higher retention rates, stronger engagement, and a more diverse, culturally aligned workforce.

“Employees who join through referrals tend to stay longer because they already have an insider’s view of the company culture and expectations,” he noted. “Those who refer candidates also feel a deeper connection to the company since they’re actively shaping their teams.”

To encourage participation, Foundever offers cash incentives and surprise seasonal promos for successful referrals. This year, the company is raising the stakes with a groundbreaking reward of Php1 million for the top referrer 2025—“the first of its kind in the local CX industry,” according to Lim.

Beyond recruitment, Foundever is taking a holistic approach to employee engagement, with programs that champion diversity, equity, and inclusion. These include employee resource groups dedicated to women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and persons with disabilities.

“We believe that employee satisfaction directly drives business success,” Lim said. “That’s why we constantly innovate to create a workplace where inclusivity, wellbeing, and career growth are prioritized.”

The company also offers comprehensive HMO benefits—including coverage for same-gender partners—mental health support, access to essential medication, and financial literacy initiatives to support employees' long-term financial well-being.

Foundever employs 150,000 associates across 45 countries and handles over 9 million customer interactions daily in more than 60 languages, serving over 800 leading global brands.