Wiley (NYSE: WLY) is one of the world’s largest publishers and a trusted leader in research and learning. Wiley in Sri Lanka has become one of the Company’s key technology centres in a short span since its founding in 2019. Bimal Gunapala, General Manager of Wiley Global Technology, Wiley’s technology centre in Sri Lanka, discusses how the company has cultivated a high-performing team in Sri Lanka. The Company focuses strongly on talent acquisition, development, and retention. Flexible work arrangements, wellness programmes, and advanced technological resources support employee well-being and productivity. These initiatives foster a positive and engaged workforce, enabling Wiley to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in an ever-changing world.
How has Wiley fostered a high-performing team in Sri Lanka to drive business success amidst an evolving external environment?
Wiley has cultivated a strong and adaptable team in Sri Lanka through a strategic focus on talent acquisition, development, and retention. By combining external hires with internal promotions, Wiley has built a team with a robust blend of experience and fresh perspectives. A commitment to quality and alignment with company objectives has further strengthened the team’s performance. Wiley in Sri Lanka also has an Intern Programme that is highly sought after in the student community as it facilitates solid learning and exposure. This allows Wiley to create a good recruitment pipeline at the entry level too.
To support employee well-being and productivity, we offer flexible work arrangements, including remote and hybrid options and additional technological resources. These initiatives have contributed to a positive and engaged workforce, enabling Wiley to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in the evolving landscape.
Can you elaborate on Wiley’s specific strategies and initiatives to foster a powerhouse workplace culture (that creates vibrant, exciting and dynamic workplaces that empower people and bring out the best in them) in Sri Lanka?
Wiley is committed to fostering a workplace where colleagues thrive. We prioritize Purpose, Growth, Community and Care, driving initiatives to create a vibrant and empowering environment. By focusing on tailored training, inclusive hiring, wellness programmes, mental health support, flexible work arrangements, modern workspaces, technology, and robust recognition, we empower colleagues to reach their full potential. A strong company culture, both in and out of the office, is essential to our success, emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Strong leadership, aligned with company values, drives innovation, collaboration, and overall achievement.
How does Wiley’s focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) contribute to creating an enriching and inclusive work environment for its employees?
Our focus on inclusion enriches the work environment by fostering a culture where colleagues are encouraged to engage fully and be their authentic selves. This diversity leads to innovative thinking, better decision-making, and improved business performance. We are committed to equitable career advancement opportunities, combating biases, and ensuring a level playing field, which is crucial for employee satisfaction and retention. Our inclusive atmosphere enhances team dynamics, promotes collaboration, and attracts top talent committed to inclusivity.
Wiley Sri Lanka’s Women’s Forum (WWSL) develops women’s skills and leadership through networking, mentorship, and dialogue. Our female representation surpasses the IT-BPM sector’s average, showcasing our dedication to DEI. By supporting initiatives like WWSL, we promote individual growth and foster a more inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives drive innovation and success. Colleagues also have the opportunity to join and contribute to Wiley’s 15+ global Employee Resource Groups.
What are some of the innovative learning and development programmes that Wiley offers its employees to ensure continuous professional growth and how do these programmes impact team effectiveness?
One of our Wiley core values is to be a ‘Learning Champion’ which means our colleagues never stop learning and they continue to seek to better understand the world, customers, ourselves, and one another. To enable and live this value, Wiley colleagues have access to learning and career development opportunities to ensure continuous professional growth.
Wiley colleagues can access products like books (at a discounted rate), publications, and journal articles to gather knowledge in the global context. We also provide access to more than 20,000+ online courses covering soft skills, technical skills, and even business-specific areas. Additionally, curated internal resources (Get to Know Wiley, Leading@Wiley Programme) and live sessions (Champion Your Career Sessions) offer essential skills for colleagues to upskill and reskill in the workplace.
We support advanced learning and professional development studies through global reimbursement policies, providing financial and/or non-financial support. Furthermore, we offer a series of trainings focusing on using AI and other newer technology to drive everyday productivity and create awareness and curiosity.
In what ways does Wiley support the well-being of its employees, particularly in terms of mental health and work-life balance, and how has this contributed to building a strong, resilient team?
Through our culture of well-being, we aim to provide our colleagues with the tools, resources, and rewards they need to be healthy and be their best selves. When our colleagues succeed, Wiley succeeds. Our rewards programmes are competitive and continually evolving to meet market needs.
Wiley offers a full suite of benefits, including comprehensive insurance coverage, access to telehealth services, and a subscription to Headspace to support mental health and emotional wellness. We also have an Employee Assistance Programme for additional support.
To promote work-life balance, we have initiatives such as “Fun Fridays,” which allow colleagues to enjoy half-days, and “Focus Fridays,” designed to minimize meetings and facilitate planning and development. Wiley supports diverse work arrangements, including paternity and maternity leave, nursing intervals, and the flexibility to work from anywhere for up to a month. Our competitive total rewards programme is designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s workforce and reflects our mission and values. By integrating these elements, Wiley fosters a motivated and resilient team, driving both individual and organizational success.