UnionDigital Bank: Purpose-Driven from the Inside Out
For UnionDigital Bank, workplace culture isn’t just an afterthought — it’s a strategic imperative. Founded on a clear mission to elevate the lives of Filipinos through real financial inclusion, the bank has worked tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of its operations reflects this purpose. According to Michael Angelo E. Malicsi, Chief Human Resource Officer at UnionDigital Bank, aligning everyday actions and decisions with this mission starts with listening to employees and anchoring strategies to a shared vision.
This commitment to purpose has earned UnionDigital Bank the Gold award for Excellence in Workplace Culture at the HR Excellence Awards 2025 in the Philippines. The accolade is a testament to the bank’s effort to build not only a strong brand but also a cohesive and engaging organization where collaboration, creativity, and connection thrive.
Fueling Passion through Purpose
UnionDigital’s people strategy is guided entirely by its mission. “All our initiatives and endeavors are anchored on the bank’s core purpose,” says Malicsi. The bank’s employees play a pivotal role in realizing this purpose, and their passion and drive are the engines of its success.
Recognizing that a strong organizational culture is key to long-term business growth and stability, UnionDigital has prioritized building a workplace where employees feel engaged and connected. This approach goes beyond branding—it’s about creating an environment where people are inspired to contribute meaningfully every day.
Overcoming Cultural Challenges
Since its inception in 2023, UnionDigital Bank has experienced various leadership and structural changes. While the mission remained unchanged, early challenges included a disconnect between employees and the bank’s purpose. This lack of alignment affected employee retention and engagement.
That changed in 2024 with the launch of the ‘One UD’ initiative. Designed to build strategies for employee engagement, productivity, and retention, One UD has seen measurable success. According to the bi-annual Workplace Culture Survey in 2025, the employee engagement score rose to 4.30 from 4.13 in 2023. Additionally, the survey’s response rate surged to 96% in 2025 from 53% in 2023, indicating growing trust and participation among staff.
Malicsi emphasizes that this is just the beginning. In 2026, the bank plans to deepen its efforts by nurturing the seeds planted in 2024 and continuing to implement programs tied to its core values.
Inspiring the HR Community
Winning the HR Excellence Award is about more than recognition. UnionDigital hopes its story will inspire other organizations to adopt a people-first mindset. “An organization’s story can never be completely replicated, but it can influence,” says Malicsi. The bank’s transformation journey is rooted in its mission and showcases how aligning individual purpose with organizational goals can lead to success.
UnionDigital’s approach includes:
- Aligning people strategies with the bank’s mission and aspirations
- Prioritizing the Voice of the Employee (VOE)
- Creating meaningful employee experiences
These elements have become the foundation for building a resilient and future-ready workforce.
Advice for Aspiring HR Leaders
When asked what advice he would offer to others looking to follow in his footsteps, Malicsi stresses the importance of tying every strategy to a clear and compelling purpose. “Living out an organization’s purpose means aligning everyone’s actions, decisions, and values,” he explains. This begins with actively listening to employees and understanding their views, aspirations, and challenges.
By gaining these insights, organizations can co-create strategies that are both employee-driven and impactful. “It’s about developing programs that are not only coherent but also ready for meaningful implementation,” he adds.
The Power of Collective Support
Malicsi is quick to point out that UnionDigital’s success is not the result of a single individual’s efforts. “It takes a village to achieve goals and reach milestones,” he says. The bank has been fortunate to receive consistent support from Aboitiz Equity Ventures, UnionBank of the Philippines, and a dedicated leadership team led by Danilo “Bong” J. Mojica II, PhD.
These leaders have played a crucial role in guiding UnionDigital Bank closer to its vision. Their mentorship and strategic direction have helped foster a culture where employees can thrive and grow alongside the organization.
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.