Philips Engages Its Employees to Create a Better World

Philips firmly believes in sustainability and their policy focuses on the health of individuals and communities, as well as environmental initiatives. It was because of these initiatives that the company was the recipient of the Donald Cousens Conservation and Environmental Leadership Award in 2008. Just two years later, in 2010 they received the Employer of the year Award for traveling clean in collaboration with the Smart Commute organization. Both awards demonstrate the positive impact the company has made within Canada.

One of the major goals of Philips is to involve its employees in the community to work towards sustainability. The company promotes traveling green by hosting work force events like biking to work days or clean air commute week.” The employee who travels the cleanest wins an environmentally friendly mode of transportation such as an electric bike.

This company also gives back to community is through their employ volunteer program, known as Philips Cares. Launched in North America, it allows employees to log in to a customized Philips website and sign up for volunteer opportunities. In 2011, there were over 5000 employee participants in the program within the United States. Moreover, the company takes into account the time the employees spend volunteering. For instance, an employee was paid for two days for being away from work due to volunteering. This results in an “an engaged work force” and “proud employees” within Philips.

This summer Philip plans to work towards the well-being of the community as well as engaging their employees and look after their health. In Canada, the staff are hosting a volleyball tournament for a small fee where the money raised is for charity. The employees play volleyball once a week during their lunch hour and the winning team at the end of the summer donates the money to the charity of their choice.

As another testament to their community giving, in June Philips was one of the sponsors of the Go Green Go Dutch Go Bike event in Toronto created by the Dutch Consulate. The purpose of the event is to make the locals aware that biking is a fun and an effective way to commute. It's another unique way for Philips to get involved with the Canadian community and take the initiative towards a greener world.

This is a company that’s not just investing money into a cause but working with its employees to create better community relations, promote the well-being of all and moving towards a cleaner environment.