What makes a workplace truly great is not just strong systems or impressive results. At Odfjell Management Philippines, Inc., it starts and ends with people. From the moment employees step into the organisation, there is a clear sense of belonging, purpose, and shared pride. This strong foundation of trust and connection is what earned Odfjell the Best Workplace Culture and Environment award at the 2025 HR Stars Awards Philippines.
At Odfjell, culture is not treated as a slogan or a set of aspirational statements. It is lived daily through values that guide how people work, lead, and grow together. Being Professional, Proactive, Innovative, and Sustainable is not symbolic. These values show up in everyday decisions, behaviours, and interactions across the organisation. Whether it is a seafarer preparing for deployment or a shore-based employee developing new skills, everyone is encouraged to take ownership of their role and their growth.
This people-first philosophy is deeply reinforced by leadership. For Odfjell’s leaders, the company’s success is inseparable from the experience of its people. According to Agnes Enesio, President and General Manager of Odfjell in the Philippines, the recognition reflects the collective strength of the organisation. She shared that the passion, discipline, and teamwork of employees are what make Odfjell a truly great place to work, and that the award affirms the company’s ongoing commitment to building a collaborative, safe, and empowering workplace.
Safety is another cornerstone of Odfjell’s culture. It is not approached as a checklist or compliance requirement, but as a shared mindset rooted in care and accountability. Regular training, clear standards, and consistent practices are part of everyday operations, creating an environment where people feel protected and supported. As one employee describes it, safety at Odfjell goes beyond policy and becomes care in action.
From an HR perspective, employee experience is seen as a critical driver of long-term organisational success. Julie Ann Ignacio, Manager for Human Resources, emphasised that engaged and supported employees are the foundation of Odfjell’s continued growth. She noted that the award is not just an HR milestone, but a shared achievement made possible by the trust, participation, and commitment of employees who live the company’s values every day.
What truly brings Odfjell’s culture to life is its strong sense of community. The organisation creates intentional opportunities for connection, from team challenges and sports activities to global assignments and CSR initiatives. Employees celebrate milestones together, collaborate across functions, and contribute to shared causes. These moments strengthen relationships and reinforce the belief that success is built together.
This sense of connection extends beyond borders. When Data Quality Lead Arnel Pinedo spent time at Odfjell’s headquarters in Bergen, the experience strengthened collaboration and knowledge-sharing across teams. The insights and confidence he gained did not benefit just one individual, but positively impacted his wider team back home. It is this openness to learning and global collaboration that helps Odfjell maintain a unified culture across locations.
Odfjell’s commitment to nurturing people is evident at every level of the organisation. VP MPS, Svend Foyn-Bruun, shared that the recognition further motivates the company to strengthen a culture that develops leaders from within and drives excellence across the organisation. The focus remains on creating an environment where employees feel valued, empowered, and inspired to contribute their best.
At Odfjell Management Philippines, success is not measured solely by performance metrics. It is reflected in how people grow, connect, and succeed together. Values are lived, relationships are genuine, and every employee feels part of something larger than themselves. When people thrive, the organisation moves forward with them. That is the true mark of a winning workplace culture.
