Berendina

Berendina Receives the Most Prestigious Great Place To Work® in Sri Lanka Certification

Employment can serve as a means to earn a livelihood or extend beyond monetary value. Material satisfaction alone may not always guarantee physical and mental wellbeing, as there are various factors associated with the nature of employment and work environment that contribute to job satisfaction. Conversely, certain employment opportunities prioritize the well-being of their employees, considering them as the organization’s most significant and distinct asset. As a result, employees can elevate the organization to a top-tier position by achieving job satisfaction. This is the case for all employees at Berendina, an organization that strives to improve the lives of vulnerable rural and plantation communities in Sri Lanka. The staff at Berendina feel satisfied and take pride in their work, which has helped the organization to receive the highly prestigious certification of a Great Place To Work® in January 2023.

Great Place To Work® is a globally recognized establishment that operates in over 150 countries and evaluates employee satisfaction among over 100 million private sector workers. Presently, Great Place To Work® certification is the most highly regarded certification globally for employee experience, workplace environment, and satisfaction. To receive this certification, Great Place To Work® conducts a two-step process that includes surveying employees and completing a short questionnaire about an organization’s workforce. This process enables employers who create exceptional employee experiences in their work environment to be recognized. All Berendina employees actively participated in the survey conducted in December 2022.

Berendina encompasses 2 institutions namely, Berendina Development Services (Guarantee) Limited well knows as BDS and Berendina Micro Investments Company Limited well known to general public as BMIC. Berendina Micro Investments Company Limited is paving the way for inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Sri Lanka. As the country’s first licensed microfinance company, BMIC is regulated by the Central Bank and operates under the Microfinance Act No 06 of 2016. With a commitment to innovative practices in microfinance and small business development, BMIC has amassed a loan portfolio exceeding LKR. 3.7 billion and serves a client base of over 72,000 through 32 branches spanning across 12 districts. BMIC strongly believes in empowering its clients with not just credit facilities, but also collateral savings options and Enterprise Development Services (EDS) to ensure long-term financial success. Berendina Development Services is a beacon of hope for the vulnerable and marginalized communities in Sri Lanka, committed to transforming their lives and empowering them to break free from the cycle of poverty. With a vision to create an equitable society where poverty is non-existent, BDS provides essential support to marginalized communities, including vulnerable men and women, widows, elders, persons with disabilities and youth, helping them to overcome poverty and lead fulfilling lives. Through grant-based programs focused on livelihoods, water, sanitation and hygiene, housing, health, and community infrastructure development, BDS touches the lives of over 25,000 families annually across its operating districts. 

Thorough both of these companies, Berendina has named itself as an innovative organization that implements innovation strategies across all of its operations. The new certification from Great Place To Work® will enable Berendina to enhance the skills and facilities available to its team members, ensuring the provision of excellent services to all segments of the community living not only in the present operational districts but also to those who will benefit from future expansion in other parts of the island.