Foundever® in the Philippines Expands Disability Inclusion with New Self-ID and Employee Workshops

Associates across multiple locations joined workshops that deepened understanding of accessibility, identity, and lived experiences

Foundever®, the next-generation service leader reinventing customer experience (CX), expanded its disability inclusion efforts in November in line with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPwD), holding learning sessions nationwide and launching its voluntary Self-ID system on its internal employee platform to allow associates to confidentially share identity information and help shape more responsive workplace support.

These activities build on Disability at Foundever®, the company’s employee resource group (ERG) for PWDs (persons with disabilities) and the first PWD-focused resource group across the global operations of Foundever. Launched in the Philippines in February 2024, the ERG drew nearly 4,000 associates to its virtual kickoff, reflecting strong interest in programs that address workplace barriers and support professional growth.

“Disability at Foundever (DAF) shows how inclusion can be led from the Philippines and scaled across our global network,” said Shane Baetz, Chairman of DaF and Vice President of Learning Experience at Foundever. “It is a model for how employees can thrive and contribute fully to organizational goals within the workplace.”

The IDPwD celebration of Foundever in the Philippines opened with the Break Down Barriers virtual session on November 20, featuring associates from different Foundever locations all over the country such as Baguio, Palawan and Metro Manila. The discussions focused on accessibility and the daily realities faced by persons with disabilities, helping participants recognize unseen barriers and the importance of sustained listening and support.

The company followed this with the #IAmRemarkable workshop on November 21, which guided associates through personal reflection exercises that encouraged them to recognize their achievements and speak confidently about their growth. The workshop aimed to strengthen peer support and reinforce the value of self-advocacy in shaping a positive workplace culture.

The month-long celebration closed with the Disability at Foundever Summit on November 27, where some associates shared personal experiences on disability, leadership and identity – emphasizing the importance of representation and genuine understanding in strengthening workplace inclusion. 

“Adversity becomes an advantage when you view it with the right heart. Daily courage becomes leadership,” shared Gracey Carrera, Director for Operations at Foundever in Makati and one of the keynote speakers, has navigated a long career while managing the effects of polio.

During the summit, Foundever in the Philippines formally introduced the Self-ID program – a voluntary and secure feature that allows associates to confidentially disclose aspects of their identity, including disability status. The initiative represents a meaningful step toward ensuring individual needs are recognized and addressed. Insights gathered through Self-ID and the company’s dedicated employee tool will help refine workplace programs, guide accommodations, and inform long-term inclusion planning.

These efforts reinforce the broader commitment of Foundever in the Philippines to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The company was recently named among the Top 10 Inspiring Workplaces in Asia for 2025 by the Inspiring Workplaces Group, recognized for its strengths in employee experience, inclusion, and wellbeing across the region.

“Disability inclusion must be deliberate and grounded in the real experiences of our people,” Baetz added. “Our November initiatives reflect our commitment to building a workplace where every associate feels supported, respected, and valued. We’ll continue this commitment every day and for every employee.”