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"We aim to support our employees, through the work environment we provide, to be more than an officer worker. We want them to live a full and meaningful life," Lois Dalida, Chief People and Culture Officer, emphasised.
At EastWest Ageas Insurance (EWA), people are at the heart of every strategy. Guided by the belief that employees should thrive both inside and outside the workplace, EWA has built a culture where business goals align seamlessly with personal wellbeing. This vision enabled the team to clinch the bronze award for ‘Excellence in Addressing Urban Workforce Challenges’ at the HR Excellence Awards 2025, Philippines.
Sitting with HRO, Lois Dalida, Chief People and Culture Officer, EastWest Ageas Insurance (EWA) reflects on the organisation’s journey of transformation.
Q What was the motivation that sparked your passion & business case for pursuing your outstanding people strategy?
East West Ageas’ workplace strategy is anchored on our goal to be influential in our employees’ happiness in and out of the office. We wanted a work set-up that will deliver our commitment to our customers and shareholders, while providing a space for Stewards to thrive in their personal lives.
This resulted to our hybrid work arrangement and hybrid engagement model. We aim to support our employees, through the work environment we provide, to be more than an officer worker. We want them to live a full and meaningful life.
Q Looking back, can you share a challenge that you overcame in your journey of HR excellence? How did you triumph?
A traditional management style can block our view of the future. Remote working was sparse before COVID-19 and even during the pandemic, we were slow to adapt. It was challenging to be aggressive in that work set-up in a conservative industry, and we had to consider the market, our stakeholders, and our productivity.
In EWA, we have a Management Committee that is loyal to balance of business and people. When we built the plans from our research of what is happening externally, the plan was welcomed internally.
Q Beyond the recognition, what impact do you hope your feature in the HR Excellence Awards would have on the HR community and manpower landscape?
I hope that EWA can stand as an example of how trust can be a powerful force. We have offered an intangible gift to our employees that nurture not only themselves but their families by giving a little bit more time with them, more room to manage the daily activities at home.
In EWA, we believe that work and life always happen at the same time so we want our employees to feel they can fulfill both and still feel alive!
We trust our employees enough to feel comfortable not knowing where they are doing their job from, because we trust that they will deliver it. We are paid back with the commitment and focus on our business strategies, their participation in our community events, and presence in our conversations.
Q Could you share some advice you would give to others aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
"A role in HR calls for a true desire to represent the people agenda. It is difficult most of the time, but it’s rewarding to see how we can change lives for the better just by doing our job with passion."
Q Let's talk inspiration! Who has been a driving force behind your success?
Behind this success are the ladies and gentlemen of our People and Culture team who all share the same passion for the people of EWA. Our employees are our customers and this team is focused on making their every moment worthwhile.
Read more interviews on why organisations have won trophies for their HR practices - head over to our Winning Secrets section!
Photos: Provided
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