Popeyes Philippines, a global fast-food brand renowned for its Southern-style fried chicken and Cajun-inspired cuisine, has partnered with Paywatch to offer Earned Wage Access (EWA) as a new employee benefit. This initiative represents a new-generation approach to enhancing financial support for its workforce.
Popeyes returned to the Philippines in 2019 and has quickly expanded to over 50 outlets nationwide. With a focus on modernization and digital transformation, the company’s commitment to innovation extends to employee welfare. In an industry characterized by rapid growth and high employee turnover, Popeyes aims to improve workforce well-being with EWA—a program that enables employees to access a portion of their wages before payday. This service provides greater financial flexibility for daily expenses and emergencies, helping to reduce reliance on short-term loans.
Enhancing Operational Efficiency Amid Industry Growth
As the demand for convenience food continues to surge, the Philippines’ quick service restaurant (QSR) market is projected to reach $7.9 billion by 2026, driven by the fast-paced lifestyle and evolving preferences of Filipino consumers, according to Allied Market Research. To keep up with this anticipated growth, Popeyes is investing in operational efficiency through a workforce empowered by financial stability. With EWA, employees can access a portion of their earnings before payday without incurring debt or hidden fees. This immediate financial support reduces financial stress, translating to improved attendance, higher retention rates, and significant cost savings on retraining and rehiring, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency.
Popeyes Philippines Ed Kintanar emphasizes the strategic importance of employee well-being in Popeyes’ operations.
“Retaining employees effectively helps our company avoid productivity setbacks. We believe that implementing EWA will enhance our employees’ well-being, leading to improved productivity and higher retention rates,” said Ed Kintanar, Chief Finance Officer of Popeyes Philippines. “Paywatch’s expertise makes them the ideal partner to help us introduce this innovative benefit.”
Empowering Employees Through Financial Flexibility
Globally, Paywatch’s EWA solution has been adopted by leading brands, including well-known food service companies. By partnering with Paywatch, Popeyes Philippines demonstrates its leadership in employee welfare within the local QSR sector. The initiative not only aims to boost employee satisfaction but also to optimize business operations by fostering a more resilient and engaged workforce.
“Paywatch is committed to advancing financial wellness across diverse sectors, including food service and retail,” said Rowell Del Fierro, President of Paywatch Philippines. “We are excited to see the positive impact that EWA will bring to both employees and businesses, knowing it can enhance financial well-being while also improving overall operations.”
By implementing Paywatch’s EWA program, Popeyes is setting a new benchmark for employee care in the fast-moving QSR industry, ensuring that its team is not only financially secure but also highly motivated to deliver exceptional service.