BPO Connect finds ways to empower Sri Lankan women in the workforce

Wednesday, 25 June 2014 00:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Claudia Liyanage, who held an entry position with BPO Connect, just two years later, leads BPO Connect’s Virtual Correspondence Division and is poised for a new opportunity that will take her all the way to Melbourne, Australia. Within these two years, Claudia has transformed from the shy customer relationship executive to team leader, overseeing the day-to-day secretarial operations of the division. Even the company directors took notice of her hard work.

Looking back, Claudia said: “It’s been a massive achievement and challenge. I never knew my role would make a big impact to the organisation.” At 26 years of age, Claudia is well-spoken, outgoing and highly accomplished. With both a diploma and higher diploma in computer systems under her belt, she received her Bachelor of Science in management information systems last year while working full time at the leading Australian accounting and finance back office provider. Her latest achievement was being selected by the Managing Director to work in the head office in Australia later this year. Until then, Claudia manages a team of nine women – women in the Sri Lankan workforce, whom Claudia said are empowered and whom take pride in their roles with BPO Connect. “The whole department is doing big things for the company, and they are both proud and happy to represent BPO Connect. They feel like they are doing a lot,” Claudia said. Claudia is one of those lucky women who works for an organisation that is an equal opportunity employer. BPO Connect is not a typical business operating in Sri Lanka. “The company has strong training programs and active, well-thought out platforms for mentoring and providing pathways for career growth,” Claudia said. “You trust the people you work for and have pride in what you do.” Management at BPO Connect have an open-door policy. They share information with employees, seek out and listen to staff ideas in a culture that nurtures entrepreneurship. “This truly creates a win-win situation for both the company and us, as employees and as women,” Claudia said. Claudia does not believe the same opportunities afforded her would be available in another company in Sri Lanka; at least, not at the pace that she has achieved thus far.