Spotlight Stories
Kristine Mendoza, Process Improvement and Training Supervisor from ZALORA Philippines 30 Aug 2024

Hi! I’m Kristine Mendoza, Process Improvement and Training Supervisor from ZALORA Philippines! This is my journey with ZALORA so far!

What does a day in the life at ZALORA entail?

A day in the life at ZALORA for me involves collaborating closely with teams from both ZALORA and its Australian counterpart, THE ICONIC. We work together to develop and deliver process and training content to teams located across the Philippines and Australia. We make sure that everyone in the team knows about any changes happening in the company and is trained well.

One thing many people might not know about my job is that before we make any changes, we do a lot of digging into data to understand what's going on, and prioritize efforts on impactful processes. It's really important to make sure any changes we make are the right ones and yield the best results!

What ZALORA Value do you see the most in your work here?

The ZALORA value that I see most in my work here is "One Team, One Dream." This resonates with me because my job involves a lot of collaboration with everyone who may be involved in the changes or processes we are making!

My favorite thing about my job is witnessing the team come together, share their insights, and be open to feedback on various topics. We work together towards our goals, unified as one team with a shared vision!

What is keeping you here in ZALORA over the years?

What's kept me at ZALORA over the years, cliché as it may sound, is the people I work with and the feeling that ZALORA values us too. In my seven years here, I've found a supportive community and a company culture that prioritizes its employees. That sense of belonging and appreciation has made my time here truly fulfilling.

How do you find meaning and fulfillment in your work?

One of the things that can make me feel fulfilled in my work is when the processes that we're creating are being utilized by the team, and we receive their feedback, whether positive or constructive. It just means that they feel comfortable enough to share what they think is best and will work for them. Also, I always feel fulfilled when I see the people in our team grow and become empowered. My personal goal as a leader is for them to realize their full potential while working alongside us as a team!

What do you like most about being part of the team at ZALORA?

What I appreciate most about being part of the team at ZALORA is not only the sense of belongingness but also the feeling that I am being heard and valued.

It's incredibly fulfilling to know that my opinions and contributions matter and that my perspectives are taken into consideration. This fosters a culture of inclusivity and collaboration, where everyone's voice is respected and appreciated.

Can you share your story where you felt you made an impact together with ZALORA?

One impactful moment I experienced with ZALORA was during a Christmas activity called "ZALORA, Sharing the Love". We had to write letters or wishes for deserving individuals or causes. I took the opportunity to request over-the-counter medicines to be donated to Cottolengo Filipino, an institution dedicated to serving the poor, abandoned, and neglected persons with disabilities.

My wish was selected as one of the winners to be granted, to my surprise and gratitude. It was a profound moment for me because it highlighted not only the company's commitment to its employees but also its genuine concern for the community.

Feeling valued and supported by ZALORA, and seeing the impact we could make together in reaching out to those in need, reaffirmed my belief that I was part of a company that truly cared. It was a powerful reminder of the positive influence we can have when we come together as a team, both within the company and beyond its walls.

How does ZALORA provide care for your mental health & wellbeing?

I'm grateful for ZALORA's approach to mental health and employee wellbeing. It's reassuring to know that if I ever need it, I have access to mental health leaves to take time off and prioritize my mental wellbeing. Additionally, having occasion leaves and family care leaves, which even extend to caring for pets, shows how much ZALORA values the holistic wellbeing of its employees.

These policies make me feel supported and cared for on a personal level, contributing to a positive work environment where I can thrive both professionally and personally.

How does ZALORA provide flexibility in your work?

For me, ZALORA's approach to flexibility in our work arrangements, especially with the introduction of hybrid working, has been incredibly valuable. When the pandemic hit, transitioning to remote work provided a sense of security and allowed me to continue working without disruption. 

As we gradually shifted to a hybrid setup, it gave me the confidence that the company trusts us to maintain productivity and quality, whether we're in the office or working remotely. This flexibility has not only supported my work-life balance but also reinforced the sense of teamwork and collaboration, showing that ZALORA truly values its employees' well-being and trust.

How have you grown in your role with ZALORA?

I'm someone who loves a challenge and always seeks to learn, and I've found a perfect match in ZALORA. What's amazing is how the team saw potential in me, sometimes even before I did. Starting as a team member, I've been fortunate to evolve into a leadership role in leading operations, and now heading the Process Improvement and Training Team. It's been incredible having such supportive friends and mentors, and the training programs, like the Six Sigma certification, have boosted my skills.

ZALORA has given me the chance to push my boundaries and discover what I'm capable of. Whether it's handling tough projects or trying new things, I've felt encouraged every step of the way. This journey hasn't just been about professional growth; it's also helped me grow as a person. I'm grateful for the opportunities ZALORA has provided and for being a part of a company that values growth and development as much as I do.

In what ways ZALORA is different from other companies?

What sets ZALORA apart is how they truly value each person. You can feel it in the way they consider your worth and treat you as an individual. It's not something you come across everywhere, especially during these tough past four years.

ZALORA's focus on employees' well-being and personal growth stands out. In a time where balance and mental health are crucial, feeling valued like this is meaningful. It's what makes me feel connected and appreciated here.