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By staying true to its employee value proposition ‘Valuing what matters’, Reed Elsevier nurtures a culture of care, empowerment and adaptability that helps people grow and thrive in a changing world.
RELX | Reed Elsevier believes that a strong organisation starts with strong people. Over the past 14 years, the company has cultivated a workplace culture rooted in empathy, development and trust. Its employee value proposition (EVP), 'Valuing what matters', captures this belief that when the organisation takes care of its people, they in turn take care of the business.
At the heart of this philosophy is a people strategy designed to empower individuals through continuous learning, strategic mentorship and genuine support. The result is a workplace where employees feel valued, motivated and inspired to perform at their best.
This long-term commitment to employee experience has resulted in conservative attrition rates, long-standing tenure among leadership and consistently high engagement scores. It has also earned the organisation bronze awards for two categories at the HR Excellence Awards 2025, Philippines:
- Excellence in Hybrid Working, and
- Excellence in Workforce Flexibility
In this interview, Seset Lopez, HR Manila Site Lead/Director at RELX | Reed Elsevier, shares how putting people first through empathy and adaptability has built a resilient, future-ready workforce aligned with the needs of their workforce.
Q What was the motivation that sparked your passion & business case for pursuing your outstanding people strategy?
In my role as HR Site Director, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how our people flourish when they are supported with intention and care. This insight has been the cornerstone of my passion and the business case for driving an outstanding people strategy. Our conservative attrition rates, long-standing employee tenure, including among our leadership and consistently strong engagement scores are not just metrics; they are living proof of our brand’s unwavering commitment to our Employee Value Proposition (EVP): Valuing What Matters.
Over the past 14 years, we’ve cultivated a culture rooted in empowerment, holistic development, and a deep understanding of what drives both individual and organisational success. This journey has been fuelled by a belief that when we invest in our people through tailored training programs, strategic mentorship, and robust support systems — we unlock not only their potential but also the long-term sustainability of our business.
Our strategy is not one-size-fits-all. It’s built on listening, adapting, and responding to the evolving needs of our workforce. By aligning our initiatives with what genuinely matters to our employees, we’ve created an environment where people feel validated, appreciated, and inspired to grow. This sense of belonging and purpose translates into high performance, innovation, and resilience — qualities that are essential for a future-ready organisation.
Ultimately, the motivation behind our people strategy stems from a simple but powerful truth: when we take care of our people, they take care of the business. And that’s a legacy worth building.
Q Looking back, can you share a challenge that you overcame in your journey of HR excellence? How did you triumph?
One of the most defining challenges I’ve faced , and in fact continue to grapple with to this day, has been navigating the growing uncertainty around artificial intelligence and its perceived threat to job security. As AI technologies rapidly evolve, there's a widespread concern among employees and even leaders that automation will replace roles, reduce headcount, and fundamentally shift the nature of work.
As HR Site Director, I recognised early on that this wasn’t just a technological shift but it was more an emotional and cultural one. The challenge was not only to understand the implications of AI but to help our people reframe their mindset: from fear of displacement to excitement about transformation.
We are on the road to triumph by leaning into transparency, education, and empowerment. We launched learning pathways focused on digital fluency, AI literacy, and future skills — ensuring our workforce felt equipped, not threatened. We partnered with leadership to communicate a clear message that “AI is here to augment human potential, not replace it”. Through strategic workforce planning, we identified roles that could evolve rather than disappear, and we created upskilling programs tailored to those transitions.
Most importantly, we reinforced our EVP of Valuing What Matters by showing that people are and will remain the heart of our organisation. By investing in our employees’ growth and resilience, we turned a moment of uncertainty into a movement of empowerment. Today, our teams are not only more future-ready but also more confident in their place within a tech-enabled, human-centered workplace.
Q Beyond the recognition, what impact do you hope your feature in the HR Excellence Awards would have on the HR community and manpower landscape?
I hope our journey inspires the HR community to invest wholeheartedly in their people. Beyond traditional recognition, we aim to highlight the transformative power of forward-thinking programmes that emphasise continuous learning, tailored rewards, and strong engagement. Our success demonstrates that when organisations build and nurture empowered teams, the positive ripple effect reaches every aspect of the business ecosystem.
Q Could you share some advice you would give to others aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
Oh yes, I would strongly encourage and rally everyone to courageously join us in our journey and keep in mind these simple tips; lead with purpose, adapt with courage, and never lose sight of the human element.
The rise of AI and digital transformation has reshaped how we think about work, talent, and leadership. It’s easy to get caught up in the fear that technology will replace people but the truth is, the future belongs to those who can bridge the gap between innovation and empathy. HR leaders must become architects of change, not just custodians of policy.
My advice is to stay curious. Learn the language of technology, understand the capabilities of AI, and use it to amplify human potential, not diminish it.
At the same time, double down on what makes us irreplaceable: emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and the ability to build cultures where people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of consistency. Over the past 14 years, what has made the biggest difference in my journey is showing up with intention whether it’s through mentorship, designing people strategies, or navigating uncertainty. Excellence isn’t built overnight; it’s earned through everyday decisions that reflect one’s values. Lastly, surround yourself with people who challenge you, support, and share your vision. HR is not a solo act — it’s a collective effort. And when you lead with authenticity and a deep commitment to your people, you’ll not only build a career — you’ll build a legacy.
Q Let's talk inspiration! Who has been a driving force behind your success?
I attribute our success primarily to the incredible people, past and present leaders at RELX | Reed Elsevier. We are where we are now because these predecessors have laid down and built the right foundation. We owe it to them as well as the present and future talents of REPH to do what is right and not just continue on with this success but more importantly, challenge, break the glass ceiling, explore untrodden paths to achieve greater milestones.
As you know, it’s the people element and the human component in an organisation that makes the difference. Technologies evolve, strategies shift, and markets fluctuate, but it’s the passion, collaboration, and commitment of individuals that truly drive success and shape culture. Our company ethos of valuing what matters is brought to life every day by our dedicated employees who push boundaries and drive change. Their continuous commitment to excellence, paired with our support through tailored training and development initiatives, empowers them to excel.
This symbiotic relationship is the heart of our success— when our people thrive, our business flourishes. Recognising and celebrating their contributions not only fuels our progress but also reinforces the mutual commitment to innovation, respect, and continual growth. Our success is a collective achievement born from valuing every individual's potential and passion.
Read more interviews on why organisations have won trophies for their HR practices - head over to our Winning Secrets section!
Photos: Provided
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