In a revealing interview with The Nation, Audrey Yeo, who helms LIXIL Group’s operations in Thailand, Indochina, and Asia Pacific, emphasized the significance of strong employer branding in today’s competitive job market. Acknowledging that a company’s success is inextricably linked to its employees, LIXIL has deliberately developed a supportive work environment as a fundamental aspect of its business strategy.Yeo pointed out that to stand out amidst the intense competition for top talent, firms must move past conventional recruitment methods. By focusing on creating a compelling employer brand, LIXIL aims to both entice prospective employees and ensure the loyalty of current staff. This approach is central to the group’s focus on fostering a culture that prioritizes the growth and satisfaction of its team members, positioning LIXIL as an employer of choice for job seekers within the industry.
Embracing Employer Branding
Understanding Employer Branding’s Value
LIXIL places high importance on employer branding, recognizing its vital role in attracting the right talent and sustaining the company’s core values and mission for the long term. The strategy is rooted in creating a sense of belonging, which they believe is crucial not only for employee satisfaction but also for customer loyalty—it’s about fostering a feeling of ‘home.’ This ethos is not restricted to the typical boundaries of workplace culture; it expands the appeal for potential employees, making the company a standout in the job market, which in turn positively impacts employee retention. LIXIL’s mindful approach to employer branding is a key element in maintaining a workforce that is aligned with the organization’s goals, further ensuring stability and consistency in their growth and service quality. This strategic focus on brand reputation serves as an underpinning for their sustained success.Fostering Inclusivity and Diversity
LIXIL places immense importance on cultivating an environment rich in diversity and inclusion. Acknowledging that respect is fundamental to achieving a merit-based, exceptional workplace, the company is dedicated to fostering a culture that honors this principle. By nurturing this environment, the company not only enhances the well-being and job satisfaction of its workforce but also ensures that the diverse needs of its customers are understood and addressed. This sensitivity towards various perspectives not only elevates LIXIL’s standing in the eyes of customers but also fuels business expansion and sparks innovation. The inclusive nature of LIXIL’s culture reverberates beyond the internal ecosystem, affecting customer relations and bolstering the company’s growth and creative capabilities—evidence that embracing diversity is not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage as well.Investing in Talent Development
Partnering with Academic Institutions
Proactively fortifying its leadership tier, LIXIL forms strategic ties with esteemed academic entities such as the Sasin School of Management. This alliance is a testament to LIXIL’s proactive stance on human capital enhancement, underscoring the conviction that cultivating leadership skills is not merely incidental but a core investment in its people. This philosophy is deeply embedded in LIXIL’s ethos, reflecting the organization’s commitment to advancing the potential and performance of its executives. By fostering academic collaborations, the company reinforces its dedication to continuous learning and development, ensuring that its management team is poised to meet future challenges with superior strategy and skill. This approach not only enriches the individual but also strengthens the organization overall, sowing the seeds for sustainable growth and innovation within the industry.Sustaining Workforce Growth
LIXIL demonstrates its dedication to a progressive employee ecosystem through its structured developmental initiatives. These programs underscore LIXIL’s belief in the continual evolution of its workforce. By funneling resources into staff development, the company lays down a robust framework designed to empower their employees. This framework nurtures an environment where each member is equipped with the necessary tools to refine their professional capabilities. In doing so, not only does the individual employee grow, but they also become pivotal contributors to LIXIL’s overall corporate advancement and success.These programs aren’t just a set of directives; they represent a commitment to a long-term investment in human potential. Firm in its conviction, LIXIL understands that an organization thrives when its employees are given room to grow and are challenged to stretch their potential. This investment goes beyond immediate results, planting seeds for a skilled workforce that can pivot and adapt to future challenges, thus cementing LIXIL’s role as a nurturing ground for talent and a leading force in its industry.Enriching Internal Strategy through Communication
Transparent Communication Principles
At the heart of Audrey Yeo’s strategy within LIXIL is a commitment to open dialogue and the enhancement of staff capabilities. This approach ensures that the details surrounding the company’s employer brand are shared in a straightforward manner, highlighting the robust package offered in terms of salary and perks. Such transparency is central to fostering an environment where employees consistently feel appreciated and knowledgeable about where they stand within the company. This focus on clear communication and competitive employee offerings plays a crucial role in securing high levels of job satisfaction and loyalty among staff, which is instrumental in maintaining a stable and motivated workforce within the organization. This tactic not only benefits individual employees by acknowledging their value but also strengthens the company as a cohesive and informed entity, ready to face market challenges as a united front.Engaging the Workforce
Companies foster an open dialogue with their workforce through a variety of platforms aimed at internal communication, such as interactive social media channels and inclusive town hall gatherings. To complement these conversational avenues, recognition programs are established to deepen the employees’ sense of value and belonging within the organization. These platforms and accolades are not just tools for enhancing engagement but also serve a critical function—they act as a pulse check for the business, allowing it to monitor and address various elements that may contribute to staff attrition. By maintaining this two-way communication, organizations not only keep their finger on the pulse of employee sentiment but also promote a culture where workers feel heard and appreciated. This dynamic is vital not just for morale but also for the retention of talent, which is crucial in maintaining a robust and dedicated workforce capable of driving the company forward.The Role of Human Resources
Aligning Vision and Culture
The HR department at LIXIL is crucial in aligning the organization’s objectives with its cultural ethos. It plays a key role in launching strategies that positively impact both prospective and existing team members. These initiatives are carefully crafted to depict a harmonious relationship between employee well-being and consumer contentment, both of which are viewed as essential drivers for the company’s success. This department’s efforts are central to fostering a workplace environment where the dynamic between staff satisfaction and a positive customer experience is deeply understood and nurtured. By doing so, HR ensures that LIXIL’s operational excellence is mirrored by its internal human capital practices, thereby creating a cycle of efficiency and loyalty that benefits all stakeholders. This strategic approach by HR not only enhances the company’s appeal to talent in the market but also strengthens its competitive edge by facilitating a motivated workforce dedicated to achieving shared milestones.Nurturing a Robust Employer Brand
LIXIL’s commitment to employee well-being and gender diversity is exemplified by its remarkable leadership ratio in Thailand. With an impressive 70% of leadership roles held by females compared to 30% by males, the company has not only met but exceeded its 2030 targets ahead of time. This notable gender ratio highlights LIXIL’s proactive approach to fostering an inclusive work environment, particularly within its Asia Pacific operations.The company’s forward-thinking policies and practices serve as a significant benchmark for others in the region, showcasing the benefits of promoting diversity at the highest levels of corporate governance. By championing female leadership so prominently, LIXIL sends a strong message about its values and commitment to gender equality. As organizations look towards more equitable work environments, LIXIL’s achievements offer a blueprint for success, demonstrating that with intention and effort, meaningful progress in workplace diversity is not just possible but highly achievable.Delivering Unique Experiences
Leveraging Employer Brand for Customer Engagement
Under the strategic guidance of Audrey Yeo, LIXIL Thailand is crafting a revolutionary approach to customer engagement within the sanitary ware domain. With premium brands like American Standard, GROHE, and INAX under its wing, the company is stepping beyond traditional product presentation. The inception of engaging and interactive brand zones signifies a profound blend of employer strength and customer-centric marketing. These zones are designed to transcend mere displays, offering a tactile and visual journey that echoes the company’s dynamic workplace culture. In facilitating a tangible interaction with their product offerings, LIXIL is not just selling a product but is offering a unique experience that reflects their commitment to innovation and excellence. This strategic move by Audrey Yeo is reshaping the industry standards and providing customers with an unparalleled experience that leverages the best of what LIXIL’s brands have to offer, while reinforcing the company’s reputation as a leading and responsive market player.The Connection between Employee Satisfaction and Customer Happiness
LIXIL’s employment branding strategy adeptly balances attention to potential employees and current customer satisfaction. This strategy is multifaceted; it’s crafted to attract and secure top talent, while ensuring that consumers receive exceptional service. At the heart of LIXIL’s vision is a belief that a motivated and content workforce is essential to delivering outstanding customer experiences. Employees who feel valued and are engaged in their work are more likely to go above and beyond for clients, fostering a cycle of positivity that benefits all. As such, the company invests in its staff, understanding that their well-being translates directly to customer satisfaction and loyalty. This holistic approach envisages a ripple effect—happier employees lead to happier customers, which in turn reinforces the company’s market position. By this dual-pronged technique, LIXIL aims not just for immediate gains but for enduring prosperity, establishing itself as a steadfast contender in its industry.
