Advocating for a Diverse and Accepting Work Environment: SM's Push for a Diverse Workforce
In the ever-evolving world of business, SM Investments Corporation stands out as a trailblazer in promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce. The company, which operates a wide range of businesses including retail, property, and banking, has made significant strides in fostering an environment that values and supports individuals from different generations and backgrounds.
One of the key aspects of SM's approach is its balanced workforce. The company is home to 47% Gen Z employees (under 30), an equal number of Millennials and Gen X (30-50 years old), and 6% Baby Boomers (above 50 years old). This mix of generations allows for a blend of experience and fresh perspectives, fostering collaboration and mentorship across all levels[1][2].
SM's commitment to inclusion and belonging is not limited to age. The company boasts a strong representation of women, with 64% of its workforce and 58% of senior leadership positions held by women[1][2][3]. This strong representation underscores SM's commitment to gender diversity and equal opportunities.
Elizabeth Anne ‘Lizanne’ Uychaco, Executive Vice President and Group Diversity Officer, is a champion of this inclusive culture. Uychaco stated, "our people are the strongest foundation of SM's continued growth." She further emphasised that inclusion at SM is a long-term commitment, reinforced by meaningful action across all business units[1][2].
SM's dedication to diversity and inclusion extends beyond its workforce. The company has signed the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) since 2022, reinforcing its commitment to merit-based advancement and fairness in career development[3][5].
Physical spaces within SM's offices and malls have been designed to cater to diverse needs. For instance, SM has established 814 breastfeeding rooms for nursing mothers, 787 PWD-friendly pathways, 171 gender-neutral washrooms, and 19 non-denominational meditation rooms[3][5].
In addition, the SM Sustainability School, a group-wide learning platform, had over 43,000 enrollees in 2024. This platform offers 71 specialized modules, reflecting the company’s commitment to ongoing learning and development[3][5].
The World Economic Forum's 2025 report values generational diversity in organizations, citing its role in fostering collaboration, enabling upskilling, and placing people at the heart of technological transformation[4]. SM's approach to career development and inclusion drives both culture and business performance, making it a leader in the modern workplace.
In conclusion, SM Investments Corporation's commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its balanced workforce, inclusive culture, strong gender representation, adherence to international principles, and the provision of inclusive facilities and training programs. The company's approach is not just a business strategy, but a long-term commitment to creating a workplace where every individual is valued and supported for growth.
- In line with its inclusive culture, SM Investments Corporation has designed physical spaces within their offices and malls to cater to diverse needs, providing resources like breastfeeding rooms, PWD-friendly pathways, gender-neutral washrooms, and meditation rooms.
- SM's dedication to diversity and inclusion also includes continuous learning and development, as evidenced by the SM Sustainability School, a group-wide learning platform with over 43,000 enrollees in 2024, offering 71 specialized modules.
- The company's approach to career development and inclusion is noted in the World Economic Forum's 2025 report, which values generational diversity in organizations, citing its role in fostering collaboration, enabling upskilling, and placing people at the heart of technological transformation.
- Beyond the workforce, SM's commitment to diversity and inclusion extends to its business practices, as the company has signed the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) since 2022, reinforcing its commitment to merit-based advancement and fairness in career development.
