Leading with empathy, courage and action

Leading with empathy, courage and action | Daily Tribune

“These events are more than celebrations,” said Warren Tait, vice president of Facilities Operations and Experience of Telus Digital and executive sponsor of Spectrum Philippines, the company’s employee resource group for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. “They are statements. They affirm that our LGBTQIA+ team members are seen, heard, and supported, not only in June, but every day of the year.”

That support goes far beyond events. Telus Digital Philippines has built systems that recognize, protect, and uplift LGBTIQ+ employees, starting with inclusive benefits that acknowledge same-sex and domestic partners, access to gender-affirming care, gender-neutral restrooms and self-identified sleeping quarters across its sites. Its employee resource group, Spectrum Philippines, leads from within, driving education and advocacy through HIV awareness campaigns, free testing, and SOGIESC (sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics) 101 sessions for both leaders and team members.

Equally important is what happens behind the scenes. Telus Digital Philippines emphasizes skills-based hiring and promotion practices, supported by efforts to reduce bias throughout the process. Human resources teams and people leaders undergo regular training in inclusive leadership, gender sensitivity, and respectful workplace practices, helping ensure that policies are lived daily.

This commitment is especially critical in the Philippines. Despite progress, workplace discrimination remains a daily reality for many. A United Nations Development Programme study found that 21 percent of LGBTQIA+ Filipinos have been denied employment because of their identity, and two-thirds have seen job ads that openly exclude them. In healthcare, stigma continues to deter access, contributing to a staggering 500 percent increase in HIV cases among Filipinos aged 15 to 25 in early 2025, with 57 new cases reported each day.

Telus Digital Philippines is not just aware of this reality, but is also engaging with it. Through partnerships with advocacy groups like the Philippine Financial and Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP) and LoveYourself, and support for platforms like PFIP’s Pride Summit and Iloilo City’s Office of the LGBT Affairs’s Pride Pyesta, the company stays connected to both global best practices and local advocacy on the ground.

“We engage respectfully with all perspectives, but we don’t compromise on our values. Inclusion benefits everyone and we’re here to ensure that all our team members, regardless of background or identity, feel safe and valued,” Tait emphasized.

The company’s belief in the power of inclusion is measurable. Internal tools like its employee engagement survey include DEI-focused questions to help leaders understand where progress is happening and where more is needed. Broader research backs this up: organizations with inclusive cultures consistently outperform their peers in innovation, engagement, and retention.

From inclusive policies to expressive celebrations, Telus Digital Philippines believes that DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) is not just a checkbox, it’s inherent to company culture. While Pride Month shines a spotlight on this commitment, the work continues long after the rainbow flags are packed away.

“As a company, we’re proud to stand by our LGBTQIA+ team members, especially in moments when it would be easier to stay quiet,” Muñoz added. “Inclusion is part of who we are. And we are committed to building a workplace where everyone can thrive.”