“Together, we make a difference.”

Guided by this vision, Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank), one of the leading financial institutions in the country, was able to ensure that all of its more than 14,000-strong employees are being cared for and equipped with tools to help in their productivity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With this accomplishment, LinkedIn recently named Metrobank as the top banking employer of 2022. The country’s premiere universal bank also bested all other domestic banks as the best banking employer in the Philippines.

In giving out the citation, the world’s largest professional network described Metrobank as “the best bank for job seekers who wish to enter the banking and finance industry.”

“During the pandemic, Metrobank developed employee wellness programs, from work-from-home policies to employee training. The company also started offering programs to support its employees’ emotional and mental well-being,” LinkedIn added.

The past two years have been tough for companies, especially in terms of human resource operations, with the pandemic compelling employers to drastically overhaul their systems and procedures while also initiating measures to maintain employee productivity and morale.

LinkedIn’s 2022 Top Companies List for PH

Metrobank also secured the fourth spot among all Philippine employers in LinkedIn’s recently released 2022 Top Companies List for the Philippines, where the online professional network ranked 15 local companies.

LinkedIn said that these companies offer stability amid a constantly changing work environment and they not only attract employees but strive to retain them.

The rankings are based on seven pillars: the ability to advance, skills growth, company stability, external opportunity, company affinity, gender diversity, and a wider scope in educational background.

LinkedIn’s rankings also included key trends from the top companies such as provision of a flexible work setup, upskilling opportunities, provision of services that address mental health, and workforce equality.

“As we continue to navigate the challenging realities of today’s world, employee engagement and support are now more important than ever. Our Top Companies list celebrates companies invested in the growth and well-being of the most important resource in the workplace–people,” said Satoshi Ebitani, News Senior Managing Editor of LinkedIn. “With dedicated programs and initiatives to support career progression and the growing need for work-life balance, these companies are leading the charge for long-term success in the workforce.”

For his part, Gerboy Ortega, HR Head of Metrobank, said, “Metrobankers strongly exemplified the bank’s promise of putting our clients in good hands during the lockdowns. They went the extra mile to deliver and provide for our customers’ needs. In the same way, Metrobank puts tremendous importance on the welfare of its employees. That is why during the pandemic, we anticipated their needs to keep them motivated and healthy, both physically and mentally.”

Metrobank boosts first half earnings

In a recent disclosure to the SEC, the bank reported that its net income surged 95 percent to P7.6 billion in the second quarter of this year, boosting first half earnings by 33 percent or P15.6 billion year-on-year.

Metrobank also said that it almost doubled its net income because of its better performance across the board — expansion of its loan portfolio, improving interest margin, robust fee income growth, and stable operating costs.

“The continued improvement in the bank’s performance cements our strategy as we enable various customers and businesses as economic activities accelerate. This also validates the recent recognitions we received from prestigious publications, naming us the country’s best bank and one of the top companies in the Philippines,” said Fabian S. Dee, President of Metrobank.

To know more about the bank, check out https://www.metrobank.com.ph/.

By Ralph Fajardo

Ralph is a dynamic writer and marketing communications expert with over 15 years of experience shaping the narratives of numerous brands. His journey through the realms of PR, advertising, news writing, as well as media and marketing communications has equipped him with a versatile skill set and a keen understanding of the industry. Discover more about Ralph's professional journey on his LinkedIn profile.