By Jason Mago
As Philippine companies adapt to a changing labor landscape, many are finding strength in workforce diversity, not just in gender or background, but across age groups as well. From Baby Boomers to Gen Z, the presence of four distinct generations in the workplace is creating new opportunities for collaboration, learning, and innovation.SM Investments Corporation is among the country鈥檚 leading conglomerates embracing this approach. With over 142,000 employees across its group, SM鈥檚 workforce is nearly evenly split between Gen Z and a combined group of Millennials and Gen X, both accounting for 47 percent. The remaining 6 percent are Baby Boomers, reflecting a balanced distribution of youthful energy and seasoned expertise that the company considers a strategic advantage.鈥淥ur people are the strongest foundation of SM鈥檚 continued growth,鈥 said Elizabeth Anne Uychaco, Executive Vice President and Group Diversity Officer at SM Investments Corporation. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why we foster a culture of inclusion and belonging across all levels of the organization.鈥漈he group鈥檚 diversity framework also encompasses gender representation. Women currently make up 64 percent of SM鈥檚 total workforce and hold 58 percent of leadership positions. The company formalized its commitment to equitable practices by becoming a signatory to the United Nations Women鈥檚 Empowerment Principles (WEPs) in 2022, and implements this through its Equal Opportunity Policy and Framework.Central to SM鈥檚 inclusive business strategy is future-oriented talent development. The SM Sustainability School, a group-wide learning initiative, saw over 43,000 enrollments in 2024 across 71 modules designed to enhance skills in sustainability, leadership, and innovation.Beyond training, SM invests in inclusive infrastructure. Across its business units, the group has built 814 breastfeeding rooms for working mothers, 787 accessible pathways for persons with disabilities, 171 gender-neutral washrooms, and 19 meditation rooms, ensuring that the workplace environment supports employees鈥 diverse needs.鈥淎t SM, inclusion is more than a principle 鈥 it is a long-term commitment, reinforced by meaningful action across all our business units,鈥 Uychaco added.