Kumustahan is an important part of Filipino culture that helps foster relationships and build camaraderie among all employees of an organization. Last April 2022, Ms. Beatriz B. Romulo, Bangko Kabayan CEO/President, started her rounds to different branches for a ”kumustahan” session, a one-on-one conversation with employees, in which she asks about the work and their experiences. She also encourages employees to ask any questions or concerns they might have.
This approach has been credited with improving morale and strengthening relationships between the bank’s management and staff. Employees have been encouraged by the president’s willingness to listen and take their opinions into account. By taking the time to understand employees’ perspectives, Pres. Romulo has been able to forecast upcoming challenges and identify solutions that would otherwise have been overlooked.
This activity ended with a blast as the Executive Office gave her a grand disco-theme kamustahan last July 2022.