Bayer Global Business Services openly shares the importance of inclusivity and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the country.

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are part of the marginalized sector in the country, as they are one of the most vulnerable populations susceptible to marginalization. In fact, according to recent statistics from the National Council on Disability Affairs, only 353,000 out of around 1.2 million Filipino PWDs are employed.

Given how PWDs are just as capable, many companies have opened their doors to provide this population with job opportunities. This includes Bayer Global Business Services, a multinational pharmaceutical company. 

Guided by its company vision of “Health for all, Hunger for None,” Bayer continues to open its doors to PWDs to provide them with a positive and inclusive work environment. 

About Their PWD Program 

According to Bayer Philippines Inc. Country HR Lead Michael Panlaqui, the company actively contributes to nation-building and empowering people—furthering its initiatives on DE&I (diversity, equality, and inclusion). For context, DE&I refers to “three closely linked values held by many organizations that are working to be supportive of different groups of individuals, including people of different races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, genders, and sexual orientations.“

“The program promotes diversity [by] bringing in different perspectives and diverse talents to drive innovation and creativity and helps the organization stay competitive in a global marketplace that values DE&I,” he says.  

To achieve this, Bayer Philippines has conducted a series of inclusive virtual hiring events that accommodate PWD applicants. Aside from culture sensitivity training and lessons on Filipino sign language, the company made necessary adjustments for onboarding PWDs. Moreover, they were also willing to customize the approach for each one until they are empowered enough to perform their tasks independently. 

As for providing accessibility and convenience, the company’s facilities are also PWD-inclusive, as its wide hallways and adjustable workstations make it easier for those in wheelchairs. Strobe lights that can signal the hearing-impaired employees in cases of emergency were also installed. 

Successful Integration Across All Bayer Brands

“The top three statements from our recent Great Place to Work survey results include DE&I topics—and all 3 Bayer entities: Bayer Philippines Inc., Bayer CropScience Inc., and Bayer Business Services Philippines Inc. are now certified as a Great Place to Work. The results came out after the June 2023 Trust Index Survey,” Panlaqui says, explaining how they’ve continuously received high results from internal employee surveys.  

He likewise mentioned how their PWD inclusion has increased employee engagement and memberships with internal employee groups that advocate for LGBTQIA+, PWD, and women’s empowerment.

Just like Bayer, companies should be more open to hiring PWDs in their workforce to provide this community with jobs and also equip them with confidence in their skills.