Paper

Treat Your Employees Responsibly – USSPM No.5 Results from the Philippines

Assessing the extent to which institutions in Philippines meet USSPM number 5
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This paper aims to contribute to market transparency by providing an independent analysis of the implementation of the Universal Standards for Social Performance Management (USSPM) number 5 in the Philippines. The USSPM is a comprehensive manual of best practices created by and for people in microfinance as a resource to help financial institutions achieve their social goals. The fifth standard of the USSPM deals with treating employees responsibly. The paper discusses three aspects of USSPM number 5: institutions follow a written human resource policy that protects employees and create a supportive working environment, institutions communicate to all employees the terms of their employment and provide training for essential job functions, and institutions monitor employee satisfaction and turnover. Key findings include:
  • Employees’ rights are clearly spelled out and nondiscrimination procedures are enforced in most cases;
  • Labor contracts are in compliance with the local legislation and the personnel enjoy safe working conditions;
  • Equal opportunities are promoted;
  • Trainings are generally available for all the employees and the offer is rather wide;
  • Organizational structure is often flat and power is concentrated at the top management level;
  • Capacity to retain human resources is low among NGOs and cooperatives.

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