Unilever Sri Lanka ranked ‘No.1 Employer’ for 9th consecutive year

Unilever Sri Lanka, one of the country’s largest fast-moving consumer goods companies, was recently adjudged the No. 1 Employer for the ninth consecutive year, in a university-wide survey conducted by Nielsen. 

The Employer of Choice survey is conducted annually amongst a student base comprising undergraduates from both local and private universities, across all streams including management, science and engineering faculties. 

Undergraduate respondents provide scores for attributes such as close engagement with the company, the career opportunities provided, the large investments made into undergraduate programs and similarities between companies and their future goals, for which Unilever Sri Lanka scored highest.  This accolade reinforces Unilever Sri Lanka’s commitment towards providing a platform for young leaders to work with similar minds and nurture their own purposefulness through the work they do.  Unilever Sri Lanka Chairperson and Managing Director Hajar Alafifi said: “We believe wholeheartedly in talent development, whether it be at Unilever or within Sri Lanka. Talent, like gems, shines brighter the more one polishes them. It is our duty therefore as a responsible corporate citizen to recognise the importance of nurturing them to blossom and become leaders of tomorrow. We remain committed to supporting academic institutions and undergraduates by co-creating impactful learning initiatives that match university skills with job-market needs, fulfilling requirements fit for the future of work.” Human Resources Director Ananya Sabharwal said: “We take sincere pride in being recognised time and again as the employer of choice. At Unilever Sri Lanka, we have an unwavering commitment towards building future leaders. Our employees across levels often fondly call us a leadership university, as they recognise and cherish the development experiences a Unilever career provides. We also strive to nurture an environment where diversity and inclusion are celebrated, and are consciously creating a culture where employees are encouraged to discover their unique purpose and invest in their wellbeing. 

“Our university programs for students echo all these sentiments and we are humbled by our interventions being recognised as best practices in talent attraction and development. Our aim is to continue to invest in building human beings who can thrive and prosper as leaders of the future for a better business and a better world.” Unilever Sri Lanka has developed several innovative programs to attract the best talent in the island, including the Unilever Student Ambassador Program – SPARKS, which invites them to become ambassadors for Unilever within their campuses. The Unilever Future Leaders Program, the Unilever Leaders Internship program, the Unilever Challenge, the Industrial Trainee program and Next Gen Customer Development Internship program, all act as the main channels of entry to Unilever.

Furthermore, the company has also carried out a host of campus-focused projects and engagement initiatives, reaching over 9,000 students through guest lectures, teaching sessions, and industry exposure interventions. Unilever has also been hosting the Youth Forum for the last seven years, and this year, it was held virtually, engaging the participation of over 400 students.  Since its inception in 1938, Unilever Sri Lanka has established itself as one of the largest fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies in Sri Lanka. Its current product portfolio includes 30 market-leading brands in categories such as home care, personal care and consumables. About 96% of its products are manufactured locally, to the strictest manufacturing standards. Over the past 82 years, Unilever has been deeply rooted in Sri Lankan society, curating a landscape that preserves and nurtures the true Sri Lankan way of life. Enhancing the livelihoods of the communities it operates in will continue to be at the forefront of this effort as it continues to set industry standards.