Our Implementer-tier member, Proximity Designs (Proximity), fostered workplace flexibility and inclusion by championing a four-day compressed workweek initiative from March to May 2021. This flexible working arrangement was implemented to provide additional support, and time, to team members during a challenging and uncertain working environment.
Proximity was pleased to hear from their team that the four-day workweek, for those three months, helped them cope, professionally and personally. The practical benefits included time to complete personal tasks like queuing at the bank and getting groceries, reduced stress and improved motivation for their work and ultimately providing a more manageable work-life balance during a difficult situation.
“We started investing in our digital transformation prior to 2021, which prepared us to have a flexible workplace during this time. We already had significant infrastructure in place to support working-from-home. We use messaging app Slack for internal communications and knowledge-sharing app Slab, for quick access to organizational information such as policies. We have around 50 in-house training modules, including digital literacy training, that is easily accessible through our online learning portal, which team members can utilize when they are available,” said Ko Naung Naung Htoo, Digital and Project Lead, People Operations team of Proximity Designs.
In addition to the compressed workweek, Proximity Designs allowed for flexible working hours, and offered staff care programs including individual mental health sessions and COVID-19 support initiatives such as oxygen machine rentals and vaccines. With more than 330 employees, Proximity Designs joined BCGE in July 2021 as a Implementer-tier member focused on enhancing workplace equality and inclusion.
Gender equality is a cornerstone value of Proximity. Ma Yamin Myo Nyunt, Proximity Designs’ Head of People Operations, noted that, “Since day one, we’ve aimed to create an inclusive, fair and transparent employee experience. We know there are always opportunities to improve, especially with a workforce of our size. We joined BCGE to ensure we have the support and systems in place to maintain and strengthen gender equality in our workplace, even during this new normal. We are proud to become a BCGE member and look forward to our partnership in the months to come.”
Proximity Designs is a social business that has been in the market for 17 years. They have one of the largest agricultural services platforms in Myanmar, that provides farm technology, agronomy advice and farm finance to small farmers across the country. They have worked with more than one million farm families to date.
BCGE is proud to support such a leading workplace culture practitioner in the social enterprise industry in Myanmar.