IT will be years before businesses recover from the massive financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, but if there’s one silver lining that can be seen in the horizon, it is in the surge in start-ups as a significant chunk of new ventures are being started by “homepreneurs.”
Across major cities in the country, creative home bakers have developed a following in a market looking for comfort from sweets and treats within the safety of their homes. This is why digital IT solutions company TELUS International Philippines (TIP) found it fitting to develop several virtual programs to help its employees learn new skills while working remotely, one of these being a virtual icing class in partnership with the famed New York City bakeshop, M Bakery.
“With the remote setting of work, especially at the beginning of the quarantine, we ensured that we constantly communicate with our team members and continue interest-based programs through various webinars that equip them with skills that cater to their personal passions and interests,” said Pia Gajasan, TIP corporate communications manager.
Gajasan added that the aim of the program is to encourage an entrepreneurial mindset among TIP employees so that they’ll have a viable additional source of income even as the pandemic passes.
The virtual icing class included piped flower designing, icing filled cupcakes using buttercream, and inscription making—perfect for home bakers who want to offer a personalized touch to their baked goods.
Apart from this, TIP team members are also encouraged to pursue their passion in the fields of culinary arts, fashion design, and foreign language by taking short courses with partner education institutions through TELUS International University.
Wellness sessions are also scheduled on a regular basis to ensure that the health of employees are prioritized.
Carlos Giammattei, TIP brand, marketing and culture director, said during the virtual icing class that the demand for work-life integration is much-needed nowadays as professionals try to manage and balance their home responsibilities and personal needs with work obligations.
Giammattei added, “We will continue to develop programs for our team members to help them cope with the current situation, feel a sense of safety and security at work, further allowing them to continue achieving the goals they set out for themselves.”