WTW becomes one of the Philippines’ Best Employers 2023

WTW has been recognized as one of the Philippines’ Best Employers for 2023 by the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Statista! Through an independent survey of more than 11,000 employees across over 2,000 eligible employers, WTW is proud to have been awarded this accolade ranking in the top 300 employers to work for in the Philippines. We have our employees to thank for this prestigious award after anonymously partaking in the surveys.

We asked our colleagues why they felt WTW was deserving of this award.

“WTW has always put its employees at the front and center of the company’s initiatives through continuous learning and development, and by investing in tools and opportunities to allow continuous growth.” said Nel Badal, Director for Health and Benefits Philippines.

“We have leaders and colleagues who willingly contribute to our personal and professional growth and naturally display authentic concern for everyone’s wellbeing.” shared Lee Briones, Associate Director for Rewards.

WTW is one of the only organizations in our industry to have been featured on this list demonstrating true competence, growth, and an understanding of the importance of investing in our colleagues.

“For WTW, this means that the company has been able to continue its focus on attending to the needs of employees and not just to the needs of its stakeholders and clients amidst volatile and uncertain times.” said Mitch Dauz, Associate Director for HR Advisory.

“It’s a recognition that WTW has been at the vanguard of providing a model work environment that is inclusive, diverse, collaborative, nurturing and progressive.” says Robert Dizon, Associate Director for Technology Program Management, expanding as to what this recognition means to the company.

WTW would like to thank all of our colleagues who have participated in this survey – we would not have achieved this accolade without our colleagues’ hard work and support for each other.

If you are looking to put your future in sharp focus with an award-winning company, take a look at our wide range of opportunities here: https://careers.wtwco.com/job-search-results/

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Burn Domingo, I am a Data Analyst in the Project Health and Benefits North America team. I started my career at WTW in June 2019 and since joining I have been overwhelmed by the amazing working environment and inclusivity at WTW.

How would you describe the environment at WTW?

In my opinion, the environment at WTW is very inclusive, and the people at WTW are what makes it a great place to work. I was lucky enough to work with some trainers from the US team who were incredibly friendly, approachable, and always willing to lend a helping hand. WTW’s values are deeply rooted within the company and this was clear from the very start of my career here.

What does it mean to you to be a part of the WTW community?

I am part of the LGBT+ community and because WTW has an incredibly inclusive and diverse working environment, there is no discrimination or judgment and we are all completely respected as individuals.

Do you feel like you can truly bring your full self to work at WTW, and if so, why?

I feel like I can always bring my true self to work, without the fear that I will be judged. There is a great work-life balance at WTW which allows me to be myself at work and I am also encouraged to enjoy my personal time. WTW ensures that their colleagues feel included and appreciated, while encouraging us to be ourselves, whoever that may be.

What is your favourite thing about working at WTW and why?

I really enjoyed being a part of one of the WTW Engagement Team projects. Here I was able to share a lot of ideas that encouraged our colleagues to become more involved and enjoy the environment at WTW. Another thing I appreciate are the training opportunities that are conducted for free across the business, which provide new opportunities to colleagues.

What advice would you give to future candidates that are considering joining WTW?
Joining WTW has made me much more confident as a person and has aided in my development of many skills. They have helped me grow and are not afraid to challenge me. If you are looking for a company that will provide endless opportunities and encouragement in the development of your career, then WTW is a great company to work for.

Learn more about our Benefits Administration Team by clicking here.

What led you to choose WTW as your employer?

Emily: I had worked with WTW at a previous organization. I was aware of the phenomenal reputation of the firm and its focus embodied the values I am passionate about communicating. New clients, new data and new projects keep your days exciting and as a global organization, serving 450 of the Fortune Global 500, WTW was a place where I could envision my career. Since joining, I’ve only become more enamored with the talent here at WTW and the meaningful work we do.
Shannon: I only thought of WTW as an insurance brokerage firm, however, when I saw Emily had joined, it inspired me to learn more. After doing some research, I was impressed by WTW’s commitment to leveraging data to implement practical solutions. It was appealing to work for a global organization that was grounded in a strong purpose, with values including teamwork, respect, and excellence.

What was your interview process like?

Emily: I was pleased that WTW moved very quickly with my interviews. The team was eager to get to know my background but also focused equally on discussing what I most enjoyed in communications and change. Each leader I met with was inspiring and inviting – I truly saw a place where I could learn, grow and thrive with talented communicators who value professional excellence while prioritizing holistic balance.
Shannon: It was the absolute best interview experience. I felt like everyone was genuinely interested in getting to know me and my background – they weren’t just going through the motions. Each leader I met with had a unique perspective and it was refreshing to have open and honest conversations throughout the interview process. Their passion for the work and commitment to supporting each other was also very apparent. That is when I knew I wanted to be part of the team.

Describe your first day at WTW.

Emily: I immediately felt the warmth from my team, even from colleagues hundreds of miles away. My manager made time for me, and the Onboarding team was just a call or click away for anything I needed. The software and systems were user-friendly, and the Employee Experience team welcomed me with a virtual “hello”! I’ve never started a role in a fully remote setup, yet I truly felt connected to my team and other colleagues.
Shannon: I felt like a part of the team even before my first day. Everyone was so welcoming and quick to offer help. My manager had regular check-ins and took time to organize a virtual “welcome” with all the team members. It was nice to have all my equipment and clear instructions for getting started on day one.

How have you developed so far since joining WTW?

Emily: It’s impossible to not immediately want to soak in all the knowledge and expertise of our WTW colleagues. I’m fascinated by the robust data that we base our strategies on and the diverse work we do. With each project you support, you learn a new challenge, new solutions, and new ways of working. Collaboration and inclusion are two key values I’ve noted in my time with WTW so far.
Shannon: With encouragement from others on the team, I’ve already gained so much confidence in my ability to provide value and move projects forward. I love watching others work with clients to gain a true understanding of their needs. I appreciate the opportunity to offer potential solutions based on my past experiences and understanding of what it is like to be on the other side of the fence, supporting employees through big changes.

What has been your favorite part of WTW so far?

Emily: It feels great to know that your organization aligns so seamlessly with your personal ideals. It is evident to me that WTW walks the walk, and not just talks the talk. Inclusion and diversity is not just something that is referenced, but you can feel it throughout the day – through emails, events, pronouns and pictures. Leadership has been visible and transparent by sharing business updates, personal stories and candid feedback to ensure we all feel part of the bigger story. Collaboration and teamwork are not just ideals in a job description, but the essence of how we work – someone is always behind you and beside you, ready to support anything you or your clients need. These are a few of my favorite things.
Shannon: At WTW, there is a place for everyone, and we are all working together towards a common goal of doing excellent work to help our clients. I love the connections I’ve made, the challenges I face that are helping me to grow, and the encouragement I get from everyone along the way.

Describe your journey as a WTW returner.

In April of 2017, I was living in Chicago where I joined WTW as a Business Development Associate focused on middle-market growth. After several years in Chicago, my wife and I decided it was time for a change and we moved back to her home state of Ohio. After leaving WTW, I worked at two other companies — although these were both great experiences, I missed the culture, colleague relationships and business capabilities at WTW. This led me to rejoin the company and I am now pleased to be working in the East Central region as a Producer.

What do you enjoy most about working at WTW?

WTW has an amazing culture and since coming back, I’ve been reminded daily why I joined the company to begin with. I’m grateful to have been welcomed back to such a solid team.
Everyone’s willingness to collaborate and deliver top-of-class solutions to our clients continues to impress me. Working with talented colleagues across our different lines of business helps us deliver to our clients what they need; this makes the work we do incredibly rewarding.

What do you appreciate about your current work style?

I currently work in a hybrid model. Our office in Columbus, Ohio is brand new, and having access to a workspace has been great after only being able to work remotely at other organizations. I appreciate that I now have the option to work in-office or remotely if I choose to. This was important to me when deciding to return because maintaining a healthy work/life balance was a focus of mine.

How have you been supported by your colleagues since returning to WTW?

Everyone I have met has been kind and willing to help as I enter a new market. From newer colleagues like myself, all the way up to senior leaders, I have felt the love. The enthusiasm and encouragement I’ve received has reassured me that returning to WTW was the right decision.

Tell us about your internship and why you chose WTW as your employer.

My internship program is based out of Taguig City, Philippines, and it is a combination of software development and software engineering. Specifically, I work on WTW’s compensation software, and my main responsibilities include working on client assignments. This has presented me with the opportunity to develop both my technical and soft skills through training and hands-on projects. Initially, I had the luxury of having internship offers from different companies, but my interview experience at WTW stood out to me. I was impressed with the culture and positive attitude the managers had shown, as well as their expectations and challenges for me as an intern. The idea of getting to experience WTW’s business and corporate setting with immediate exposure to client assignments and real-life challenges so early in my career intrigued me. Getting that kind of exposure, while being guided and supported along the way sold the deal for me.

Describe your work style and explain why this is ideal for you.

My work style is remote, which works for me because I had already gotten used to taking online classes. Remote work is great because I get to work from the comfort of my own home and environment, with the company of my family. It’s particularly beneficial to me because since the pandemic I have been residing with my family in our province which is quite out of the way; it would be about a four-hour drive if I had to go into the office. Since starting this program virtually, I’ve still gotten to know my team well and have quickly been able to learn their ways of working and how to collaboratively approach assignments. Lastly and most importantly, WTW’s flexible work styles have ensured that I maintain a healthy work-life balance.

What is it like so far working at WTW?

So far, working at WTW has been very exciting considering this is my first internship experience. When I first joined, I was pleasantly surprised by WTW’s diverse culture and values since they were different than what I was accustomed to at my university. WTW takes great care and invests in their interns in the same way that they would their experienced hires. So far, I have faced some challenges, which is expected as an intern, but my team has been nothing but supportive and positive while ensuring that we get the job done effectively. Everyone has been approachable and the collaboration within the team allows everything to go smoothly. What has particularly made a lasting impact on me were the instances where my team members, by choice, would stay at work longer than scheduled to help me with anything I may have been facing difficulties with.

How have you developed since the start of your internship?

My growth and development have been apparent. Not only have I been doing technical work and working on client assignments, but I have also constantly been developing my communication and collaboration skills. My programming skills, problem solving skills and communication skills have all improved but most importantly I developed more confidence in myself. Being at WTW has been a constant learning process and my colleagues have given me plenty of feedback that has contributed to my development as well. I appreciate that although I’m an intern, I have been involved in many opportunities, real client assignments and tasks.

What is your goal upon finishing the program?

My goal for my internship program at WTW is to develop, learn and experience as much as I can – to have gained the necessary background knowledge for my development and future career, to have built lasting relationships and connections, and to have maximized my technical and soft skills. I want to have challenged myself to reach new limits and to receive as much feedback as possible to grow and prosper.

Risk Management Analyst, Gautami Kamath, shares her experience on finding out she had been chosen to become part of the High Performers Club and how this has encouraged her to continue growing as a professional at Willis Towers Watson.

Where are you based?

I am based in Mumbai, India.

How long have you worked at Willis Towers Watson?

I’ve been at Willis Towers Watson for over six years.

What are you responsible for at Willis Towers Watson?

I am responsible for training the Know Your Client Team in performing quality checks and enhancing the due diligence of financial crime sanctions.

How would you describe your experience working at Willis Towers Watson?

My journey at Willis Towers Watson has been a growth story ever since I started. Every day has brought a new opportunity to learn and grow as a professional.

What is your proudest achievement since joining Willis Towers Watson?

In 2020 I became part of Willis Towers Watson’s High Performers Club, which recognizes colleagues in India that have made outstanding contributions to our company’s growth. Being part of the High Performers Club comes with a lot of joy and responsibility. We’re the flag bearers of our company’s core values, which I will proudly continue to role model in order to positively influence new colleagues.

What was your initial reaction when you realized that you had made it to the High Performers Club?

It definitely took a few minutes for the news to sink in and to truly comprehend that I had finally made it to the High Performers Club. I was very grateful to see that my hard work had been recognized in such a unique way. I also felt a mixed bag of emotions, particularly happiness, pride, gratification, and of course encouragement to continue delivering excellent work.

What do you think helped you become part of the High Performers Club?

I followed the footsteps of colleagues who were already part of the High Performers Club. They helped me to identify growth opportunities and showed me how to align my work with the vision of Willis Towers Watson.

Is there anyone you would like to thank or who was integral to your experience?

My parents! They have supported and inspired me to stay on my toes and make the most of opportunities at first sight. I am also grateful to my mentors at Willis Towers Watson. They have guided and coached me so that I’m able to excel at my responsibilities.

Would you like to share any positive feedback that you have received at Willis Towers Watson?

I felt incredibly honored when one of my senior colleagues commended my excellent work and out-of-the-box thinking. I’ve also received feedback from fellow colleagues praising my collaborative ways of working.

What is your favorite part about working for Willis Towers Watson?

The healthy, collaborative, and transparent work culture at Willis Towers Watson motivates me to give my best and challenge myself every day. Also, the never-ending learning opportunities and recognition of our colleagues’ efforts truly inspire me to go above and beyond in everything that I do.

When you’re able to find extra time in your role, what do you do to further your professional growth?

I spend my extra time expanding my knowledge and building my skillset by researching about the latest regulatory guidelines on anti money laundering and sanctions as well as reading financial crime journals. I also like to study from the rich source of knowledge available on the Willis Towers Watson Intranet.

Based on your experience, do you have a message for colleagues aspiring to get to the High Performers Club?

Align your efforts and work with the company’s overarching vision.

Learn more about our different roles and business areas here.

Tell us about your role at WTW and a little bit about your current work style?

I am a Compensation Analyst for the Executive Compensation and Advisory Board team in the São Paulo, Brazil office. I provide general assistance to the team in terms of short and long-term incentive survey designs for executives and institutional research within the area. With the pandemic improving, my work style has become hybrid, where I go into the office occasionally but spend most of my time working from home. I consider this style of work to be great because I get to spend more time with my family and less time on transportation. These benefits allow me to increase my productivity and improve my overall wellbeing.

How do you find working within a globally recognized company?

It is a great pleasure to be part of a company of this size. Having the opportunity to learn, socialize and share knowledge with great professionals in the field always motivates to give my best.

How have you developed, whether professionally or individually, during your time at WTW?

I’ve been at WTW since October 2021 and ever since I joined the company, I’ve been able to improve my knowledge and my professional skills. Every day is a different learning experience with my teammates and my professional evolution has positively affected my personal life. My development continues every time I have new experiences with my colleagues and leaders, which means I can learn more every day. WTW provides us with the tools necessary to increase our intellectual capital and here in Brazil, I was able to take a Compensation Practices course that helped in my development as well.

Tell us about a memorable experience you’ve had at WTW.

As soon as I started, I was very warmly welcomed by my colleagues. My arrival was announced during an online meeting with directors and consultants in the area, which made me feel valued and at home right away. This helped me get comfortable with the team so that I could fulfill my work obligations in the best possible way.

What is the best piece of advice you would give a future WTW candidate?

Make the effort and dedication to be part of this company. Here you will be respected, you will have autonomy in the workplace, and you will be part of a company recognized worldwide for the quality of its delivery and its colleagues.

Tell us about your current role at WTW.

I have recently taken on the newly-created role of Global Program Manager for Inclusive Recruitment at WTW. The purpose of the role is to fully imbed our existing Inclusive Recruitment strategy and to come up with new initiatives and ideas to attract and hire more diverse talent.

Tell us about the WTW journey to develop a role dedicated to inclusivity and diversity and the purpose of the role.

WTW has always had a very strong focus on the importance of I&D within the business and has identified that, in order to continue delivering our commitments in this space, a role has been created within our recruitment function which is dedicated to I&D. For me, it shows just how serious WTW are about I&D and ensuring that all colleagues are supported and are able to bring their full selves to work every day.

Do you think companies are starting to evolve in their thinking?

Absolutely. Having worked in the insurance industry for the last 20 years, I have seen changes being made, although we still have a long way to go. What was once and environment which was severely lacking in diversity has become much more inclusive and this can only be a positive thing. I for one don’t want to work somewhere where everyone is the same and has similar ideas and outlooks. By having more diverse colleagues, we are fostering a much more exciting, creative, and productive business.

What challenges do you face in this recruitment space of inclusion and diversity and how can we overcome them?

As I’ve already said, as an industry, we have come a long way, however there is so much more we can do to create inclusive working environments. Education and training are huge factors here and the more we are able to talk openly and honestly about the challenges which we still face, the easier they will be to overcome. I also think that businesses can do a lot to work together and create a more inclusive industry as a whole.

Can you share why WTW is participating in the returner program?

WTW recognises the wealth of talent there is amongst returners and the huge benefit they can bring to the business. Returners can bring extremely valuable skill sets and different perspectives to a team and contribute massively to their success.

What did you do during your career break?

I took a career break of around 9 months in 2019 in order to reassess what I wanted to do and where I wanted my career to go. I felt as though I has sat in the ‘comfy seat’ for too long and needed a new challenge. During my break I had a much-needed rest and also spent time focussing on myself and my priorities – Pilates and running also played a very big part in this! It also enabled me to have a bit of breathing space and spend some really valuable time with friends and family.

How did you return to work and into which role?

When I started thinking about returning to work, I knew it had to be at the right time for me. Finding the right role was also crucial – I didn’t want to undo all of the good work I had done! One of my priorities was to work more locally and not to have such a long commute as I had previously. I also wanted to work in an environment where I would be supported and could develop my career. The role I returned to was as an Underwriter (something I had done for many years) but in a different area to my previous role. This enabled me to use my skills but also do something which wasn’t identical to what I had done before.  

Do you have any advice for others looking to return to work?

Don’t be concerned about what other people think about having taken a career break. I was very nervous about how others would perceive me taking time out, however it was only ever viewed positively. Whatever the reason for the break it should never be an issue and if you come across an employer who thinks it is, they aren’t the right fit for you! Returning to work is never easy, however I found it to be an extremely positive experience and has enabled me to take my career in a completely different direction and find a role which I love!

What is your role at WTW?

As a technology leader at WTW, I am responsible for driving innovative technology initiatives in India and bringing a seamless digital journey across the organization. My focus is to build, manage, and guide various teams focused on software engineering, application development, program delivery, testing, data, and analytics. I partner with technology leaders and product owners in India and other geographies on projects from inception to completion, to ensure success and deliver great outcomes.

Tell us about your personal journey as a woman in the technology industry.

I started my journey just like any other aspiring techie – one among many who were fascinated by its magic. As I moved ahead, I realized that many women were giving up on their careers too soon because they did not have enough support from their peers. Over the years, I have been presented with many equal opportunities. However, in the early days of my career, achieving certain goals as a woman seemed difficult due to a lack of inclusivity in the workplace. Since noticing this, I have always raised my voice and stood strong for what I believe in; to ensure a feeling of security and a sense of belonging for all. My past experiences are what make me so proud of the welcoming and inclusive culture at WTW. Unlike my previous employers, these values are embedded in everything we do. I believe that without supportive environments, organizations risk the loss of potential leaders.

How has WTW made you feel empowered throughout your career?

WTW has been like a cup of freshly brewed coffee. In the last two years, I have been empowered to make the right choices for myself and my team, leading to better service delivery. The trust my team has offered and the support I have received from my peers and leaders have helped bring out the best in me. The culture of collaboration, equal opportunities, and inclusivity has made me comfortable to request help when needed and ask questions. I consider myself fortunate to work for an organization that has such a great culture, and this has helped me broaden my thought process.

Describe the culture within the tech team at WTW.

Our team is driven by the One WTW principle – “When you get one of us, you get all of us”. We strive to break down barriers, advocate idea sharing and best practices, and motivate ourselves and each other to build capabilities for better business outcomes. WTW’s culture, reinforced by its values and principles, enables us to be as diverse yet as unified as possible. We advocate for a positive and supportive work environment that brings out the best in us and fosters an innovative and digital outlook.

Having close to twenty years of experience in the industry, what advice would you give to aspiring tech joiners?

Technology is like magic! It’s in everything that we do. So those who aspire to be in this industry will experience this magic firsthand. I urge all technology aspirants to have faith in themselves, take risks, fail fast, learn, and recover. You will always have a choice to go with the flow or try and make a positive difference. Your choices will help to build a world that will be relevant for us and future generations.