Best Places to Work, a globally recognized certification program in partnership with Best Companies Group, has certified Dragon Edge Group (DEG), the company responsible for producing the well-known Beach Hut Sunblock, as a “Best Place to Work” in the country for 2023.
For over a decade now, Best Places to Work has been recognizing companies that uphold exceptional standards in their human resource practices and provide outstanding employee experiences. The evaluation process is based entirely on employee feedback and takes into account various factors such as compensation and benefits, working conditions, motivation, relationships, training, well-being, career advancement opportunities, leadership, and company culture. DEG has earned the distinction of being the sole organization in the Philippine Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, of its size, to have received this award in the past five years.
“This award isn’t like any other. Simply put, you’re being recognized for creating workplaces where your employees love to come to work. However, beyond that, you’re being honored for being the best of the best in your country. As a result of this achievement, your brand as an employer just got a lot stronger. You will enjoy the benefits of better job candidates, lower employee turnover, and a better reputation in your community and around the company. I can’t stress enough how proud I am to be associated with a worthwhile program,” according to Peter Burke, Best Companies Group President.
DEG has built a reputation for creating exceptional brands that add value to people’s lives since 2005. The company attributes its success to a dedicated team that works tirelessly to ensure only high-quality products make it to stores and consumers’ homes. DEG’s focus on delivering outstanding customer experiences also extends to its employees, who benefit from a unique and innovative work culture that fosters positivity and creativity. The company’s officers and staff, or “DEGsters,” embody this edgy spirit, which spills over into their work and professional relationships.
On top of its priorities is to provide its DEGsters with opportunities to learn and unleash their creativity. The company’s founders, Dennis and Emily Balajadia, believe that the best ideas come from relaxed and informal settings. This approach has led to some of the most unique and creative campaigns for their brands, such as the Beach Hut Sunblock being the first sunblock to fly to space in 2017. To encourage out-of-the-box thinking, DEGsters are given the chance to attend training sessions and workshops within the office, as well as pursue Master’s degrees from prestigious universities such as Ateneo Business School and Wharton School. Recreational activities such as scuba diving and mixology also play a crucial role in their professional and cultural development.
“We’re honored that Dragon Edge Group was named the Best Places to Work in the Philippines. Everything we do is for the growth and betterment of our DEGsters, so it’s really heartwarming to be recognized for the positive work culture we’ve fostered throughout the years,” said Dennis Balajadia, Dragon Edge Group Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer.
“Our goal here in DEG is to create a fun and welcoming environment where our employees can thrive and let their creative juices flow. If our employees are happy and motivated, you can see the love that they put into their work,” added Emily Balajadia, Dragon Edge Group Co-founder and Mother of Marketing.
Dragon Edge Group (DEG) started with the launch of its first product, Beach Hut Sunblock, in 2006, which was the only local spray-on sunblock available at the time. This innovative product inspired the company to create more brands that challenged the status quo and pioneered many firsts, including Cycles, the first baby detergent, and Cradle, the first natural baby bottle and nipple cleanser. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, DEG quickly developed and distributed COV-X alcohol within 11 days, contributing to the safety and health of communities. With a nationwide presence and expansion into Indonesia, DEG has opened up opportunities for its employees to grow both personally and professionally, creating a positive work environment that celebrates accomplishments and spreads joy to those around them.