What it's like to work at Philip Morris Cyprus

Our organisation has cultivated a culture of continuous learning, recognition and rewards, ensuring that our employees have ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.

We believe in the importance of reskilling and upskilling development, providing our employees with the necessary tools and resources to stay relevant in an ever-changing world,” says Christina Chrysostomou, Corporate Affairs Manager at Philip Morris Cyprus.

The primary focus of Philip Morris Cyprus, established in 2021 as a subsidiary of Philip Morris International (PMI), is on promoting PMI’s smoke-free products, such as the IQOS line. By ensuring that the consumer is its top priority, the company has built a strong presence in Cyprus, with an extensive network of retail stores, an online shop and a dedicated customer service department.

“Science and technology serve as our guiding principles as we work towards realizing our parent company’s vision for a smoke-free future,” Chrysostomou says. “Our team consists of approximately 100 individuals, both directly and indirectly employed, 70% of whom are Cypriot nationals. We place a strong emphasis on gender diversity within our workforce and women comprise 50% of our employees, including those in key managerial positions.” She notes that, although Philip Morris Cyprus is a subsidiary of a multinational corporation with established policies and structures, its own operations reflect what she calls ‘a start-up mindset’. “We embrace disruption and actively pursue change, continuously transforming our products and operational methods,” she explains. In tune with the changing times, the company is ready to adapt to the needs of its people and help them overcome their fears and insecurities. Chysostomou points out that Philip Morris Cyprus offers competitive salaries, life insurance and pension plans, and personalized support tailored to the needs of its employees. “Wellbeing is a fundamental aspect of our organisational framework, and we have integrated it into various mechanisms and programmes,” she notes, adding that the company not only provides flexibility in terms of work arrangements and hours but also offers coaching opportunities to support the wellbeing of everyone within the organisation: “We have implemented a confidential Employee Assistance Programme that helps employees navigate challenges such as anxiety and depression and we have provided a special wellbeing benefit for sports, allowing employees to prioritize their physical wellbeing throughout the year.”

Creating a safe space, establishing core values and ‘walking the talk’ is what Philip Morris Cyprus is striving to achieve through its development of comprehensive policies, processes and procedures to support its employees and promote their individual and professional growth. “We believe in creating a safe, pleasant, and inclusive environment where creativity flourishes,” says Christina Chrysostomou. “We understand the importance of adapting working schedules and hours to meet the needs of the times and leverage the latest technologies. By prioritizing the wellbeing and growth of our employees, we are confident that we can harness their full potential and drive the continued success of our organisation.”

Although it might sound paradoxical for one of the world’s biggest cigarette manufacturers to be focusing on smoke-free products, Philip Morris has not been afraid to reinvent itself and Chrysostomou tells GOLD that it shares the collective goal of achieving a smoke-free Cyprus by 2030. “Cyprus has become one of PMI’s ten key markets, with over 50% of our revenue deriving from alternative heated tobacco products,” she explains. “Our transformation is propelled by our diverse community of talented and creative people who are continually redefining our products and services through sustainable practices. We actively foster the development of all our staff members through training, educational programmes, team-building activities, bonding practices and socialisation opportunities for both the team and their families, to strengthen employee relations and create a conducive work environment.” Philip Morris Cyprus has successfully created a working environment that promotes trust, pride and collaboration, aiming to provide every possible opportunity for its people to expand their horizons, develop their skills and achieve personal and professional growth, including the option to pursue an international career if they so wish.

“Philip Morris Cyprus has been certified as a Great Place to Work® from December 2022 to December 2023. This prestigious certification is a direct result of feedback from our employees, who have expressed their satisfaction and endorsement after just one year of our presence in Cyprus,” says Chrysostomou. “Our team members are proud to be part of our organisation and to work in an inclusive environment that embraces diversity. This is an achievement that fills us with pride.”

(Photos by TASPHO)

This article first appeared in the June edition of GOLD magazine. Click here to view it.