In light of recent events and changing attitudes among younger generations about the workplace, there has been a noticeable shift in organizations priorities toward displaying value to their employees. This necessitates a greater emphasis on recognizing, appreciating, and suitably commending their tireless work, unwavering dedication, and remarkable achievement.
However, one company has been doing this consistently for a long time. PJ Lhuillier, Inc. (PJLI), the umbrella corporation of Cebuana Lhuillier, the financial services leader, is a prime example of an employer that has continually shown commitment, empathy, and acknowledgment for its staff for decades.
The annual Brillo Awards are a high point in corporate affairs that the organization and its employees widely anticipate. This prestigious event is a powerful monument to the company’s spirit, demonstrating how loyalty, devotion, perseverance, and outstanding performance get the recognition, admiration, and incentives they deserve. Recently, the organization celebrated its top achievers and performers at the much-anticipated “Brillo” annual award function, held at the famous Shangri-La The Fort in Manila.
This year’s Brillo, now in its 14th year, underlined the 35-year-old organization’s commitment to purpose-driven service. Since its formal establishment in 1988 as Cebuana Lhuillier, the company has adhered to the ideal of its founder and Chairman, Ambassador Philippe Jones Lhuillier, of offering financial inclusion to every Filipino through excellent service entrenched in “malasakit.”
The Cebuano phrase “pahinungon sa gugma,” which means “dedicated with love,” served as the inspiration for this year’s Brillo’s theme of “Pahinungod: Celebrating Purpose-Driven Service.” Indeed, it was a night of dedication, commitment, loyalty, and hard work, with over 600 loyalty winners, about a hundred business awards for top performers and target achievers, and many individual prizes presented to Cebuana Lhuillier’s cream of the crop.
“Our Brillo awards is a testament to how Cebuana Lhuillier values its people. They are our primary assets, and their dedication to duty and love of work have always been the backbone of our success. For more than 30 years, we have made it a point to make our employees feel valued, involved, and always appreciated,” PJLI President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier shared.
Marilyn Valencia and Ricardo Cruz, two of the firm’s longest-serving employees, were honored, both living testaments to how the company values its people after 35 years of service.
“Hindi na po ako naghanap ng ibang trabaho kasi nakita and naramdaman ko ang malasakit ng management sa akin ever since. Katunayan, dati lang akong janitor o messenger, pero binigyan nila ako ng opportunities like trainings and workshops para ma-improve ko ‘yung skills ko kaya umangat din po ako bilang Area Manager. Thirty-five (35) years na po akong nasa Cebuana Lhuillier. Talagang sinuklian po ng company nang sobra-sobra ‘yung loyalty ko sa kanila and dedication ko sa trabaho sa loob ng maraming taon“, said Ricardo Cruz, Area Manager.
“Working at Cebuana Lhuillier has not only helped me provide for my family but also allowed me to grow as a person and professionally. The opportunity to open 100 branches, contribute to employing people, and participate in shaping new branch personnel has made my 35-year journey with Cebuana Lhuillier both challenging and fulfilling”, adds Marilyn Valencia, Area Manager.
Rey and Marilyn represent merely a fraction of the myriad employees who have reaped the rewards of the company’s benevolence, empathy, and commitment to their growth.
Cebuana Lhuillier has valued its employees over the years by building a supportive and loving work environment that emphasizes professional progression, personal development, continual learning, work-life balance, and dependable leadership.