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by Bryan Infortuno and Bree Gaguis As professionals, we tend to focus oftentimes on our jobs such as accomplishing our daily tasks, attending important meetings, and attaining the expectations of our clients or partners. We are too busy with our lives to the point that sometimes, we are already forgetting to prioritize our health. Good thing we have Go Transform to remind us to take care of ourselves not just physically but also mentally. This initiative of Cooee only proves that the company also cares for the well-being of its employees. One of the components of Go Transform is the Go Active where we conduct several activities to make ourselves physically active such as home work out, 10-minute cardio blast exercise, and zumba. There are also Go O'clock meetings to have some catching up and sharing of ideas and activities that we do personally that we can also adopt to our next sessions. We have also spearheaded Cooee Connects' Go Transform Series which highlighted the transformation journey of some of our members. Stress and exhaustion may happen to some in a workplace especially if there are challenges to overcome. In order to cope up with these, we should not forget to unplug and unwind. Regular physical activity has also been reported to reduce stress, anxiety, depression and increase self-esteem. Although the mind and body are often viewed as being separate, mental and physical health are actually closely related. This is just a gentle reminder for all of us that our health must be one of our top priorities. As someone who prioritizes mental wellness, the challenges and activities in GoActive, such as doing simple exercises and keeping track of our process to hit our goals, benefited me not just physically but also mentally and pushed me to become a better version of myself. It has also changed some of my life perspectives because you will discover yourself more by simply walking every day and practicing mindfulness. Being physically active boosts productivity; hence, I can say that my work performance has also improved. As a Nooee, my experience so far with Go Active is truly remarkable and I am looking forward to more activities in the future for us to achieve our common goal which is to be active and to be healthy.

After the detoxification procedure and after finishing therapy, the recovery road begins. This involves making any required changes to your lifestyle to stop relapses. Four (4) pillars make up the recovery framework: health, home, purpose, and community. Your Home is a safe place to live. Wherever you live it is important to live in a safe environment that can help you relax and feel comfortable. I learned a lot from the Go Focus team that having an organized set up for your work station and even all your space in your home, can help you relax and detoxify your body and mind. Your Health is an important part of your overall wellness. Making healthy choices like eating healthy foods and exercising is a good start. Try to visit your doctor, dentist or physical therapist to monitor your health regularly. Sleeping at the right time and taking naps are important too, it will help regain your energy. Your Purpose is what keeps you going. Find meaning in your daily activities that can be through work, taking care of other people or creative activities. Volunteering is an important way of giving back. Taking care of the family by supporting them financially, physically and emotionally is very meaningful for many of us. We also find meaning in our creativity. Personally I enjoy listening to music while drawing or painting. It can help me calm down and enjoy the moment. Your Community is important in your mental health as they give joy and support in your life. Building a relationship with others can give you the sense of belongingness by spending time with them. Joining them can be healing, meaningful and just plain fun. It is also an opportunity to meet new people and learn new things, you might even feel comfortable sharing something from your experience. As we grow older these things are important for our well being to stay healthy, happy and active as we face our day to day challenges in life. Getting help from others and helping others can have a big impact on your recovery. No matter where you are in your path, combining health, home, purpose, and community offers a strong foundation for recovery.

In the hustle and bustle of our modern lives, sleep often falls victim to the many distractions and demands that compete for our attention. Some of us might find ourselves staying up late to finish that work project, socialize with friends, or simply indulge in our favorite TV shows. The question that arises is, why do we willingly sacrifice our precious sleep, even when we're fully aware of the consequences? Sleep, the act of resting and rejuvenating, is an integral part of our daily lives. However, for many, it's treated as a negotiable, something that can be trimmed down to make way for other activities. Yet, we all know the repercussions of sleep deprivation. It leaves us feeling tired, groggy, affects our concentration, mood, and overall performance. It can lead to irritability and stress, undermining the very activities we're staying up late to enjoy. According to a study conducted by the Philippine Society of Sleep Medicine (PSSM), a staggering 48% of Filipinos do not get adequate sleep. Furthermore, a poll conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) revealed that 41% of Filipinos admit to using electronic devices right before bedtime, which can further disrupt their sleep patterns. So, why is it that we often put off sleep, even when it's clear that we need it for our well-being? The answer lies in our mindset. We need to change how we perceive sleep. It's not an option but a requirement. Getting enough quality sleep, including the crucial Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, is as vital as following the law. Just like laws have a start and end time, so does our sleep. For adults, that typically ranges between 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. To make this change, I embarked on a personal mission to prioritize my sleep. I set a bedtime of 9 PM and aimed to wake up at 4 AM (PST). I prepared myself for sleep, disconnecting from the digital world by turning off my phone's Wi-Fi. I motivated myself to rise when the alarm went off, sometimes even channeling the Green Lantern oath for an extra boost of willpower. The results of this practice were transformative. I found myself enjoying the benefits of optimal sleep, including ample time to log my tasks, exercise, indulge in hobbies, and prepare for the day's work. The impact on my productivity, focus, motivation, and overall passion for life was striking. It's as if I had unlocked a new level of existence. However, the real challenge isn't just experiencing a day of optimal sleep; it's about making it a consistent part of your routine. To maintain this change, I turned it into a personal challenge. Would you allow yourself to lose to a simple challenge that's so easy to complete? Of course not. It's this challenge, this shift in perspective, that can help us view sleep as a non-negotiable task, an essential deliverable that we must fulfill before the deadline. In doing so, we can unlock our true potential, embrace each day with renewed energy, and set ourselves on a path towards better health, productivity, and an overall more fulfilling life.

Being healthy is essential for several reasons, as it significantly contributes to overall well-being and quality of life. Being healthy is not just about the absence of illness; it encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being. Prioritizing health is an investment in a better and more fulfilling life, both for individuals and for the communities in which they live. As a working mom and wife, being healthy is critically important, not just for myself but also for my loved ones. Being healthy helps me to be more productive personally and professionally. Physical fitness and mental well-being can enhance concentration, focus, and energy levels, leading to better performance in various tasks. Aside from researching through different sites, I’m very glad I’m part of Cooee’s “Go Healthy” team. Having a network of individuals who encourage and assist you can make it easier to adopt and sustain healthy habits. Knowing that I have such an amazing support system makes this journey not only more manageable, but also more enjoyable. Our belief in each other is like a driving force, motivating us to push ourselves and strive for a healthier and happier version of ourselves. My most favorite thing was when I started to learn to prepare more healthy meals for my kids. I would like, as much as possible, to give them food that is not just delicious but also healthy. I once prepared eggplant patties for them and surprisingly, they liked it! They said it’s like the usual beef patties that they are eating. I also turned a simple fried chicken into a special chicken drumstick with mashed potatoes. My kids got to enjoy their favorite fried chicken together with the nutritious potatoes. Leading a healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition, regular exercise, and other wellness practices can help prevent a variety of diseases. My next favorite is when I do Zumba dance with my kids together with my sister who is also part of the Go healthy team. We spend at least 30 minutes to 1 hour watching and following Zumba steps on YouTube. Physical and mental well- being contribute to positive interpersonal relationships. When individuals are healthy, they are more likely to engage in social activities, have fulfilling relationships, and provide support to others. Apart from sharing healthy tips, we also celebrate small victories and provide reassurance during setbacks. Understanding and patience have made the process feel like a shared adventure for all of us, and I am grateful for the camaraderie we’ve built along the way. As I continue along this path, I would like to thank the entire Go healthy team for being an integral part of my support system. Your positive influence has extended beyond just my physical health—it has positively impacted my overall well-being and quality of life. Cheers to a healthier life!!!

Auto Grab started at Cooee about a year ago. By then, we were only a few and focused on a single task. As time goes by, growth has been adequately fast. Along with growth are obstacles and challenges in different aspects, mainly on how the process can possibly improve the more efficient and effective it could be. Each of us is expected to reach the daily target KPI. It was challenging. Our ways were limited, and the output was sometimes unpredictable. But just like the other, there’s always an obstacle when handling it for the first time. We were fortunate to work with a friendly and open-minded client who gave us the flexibility to discover, they inspired us to improve in all ways. The team never settled for what is just expected. We conducted extensive research, trials, and collaborations with other departments. We also solicited opinions from higher-ups, and eventually submitted a proposal to our client. Thankfully, with everyone's participation and rigorous research, we developed a process that made our work easier, more productive, more efficient. The plan was approved by both management and our client. The team was thrilled to apply and explore a smarter and helpful approach. We also managed to proactively increase our daily KPI. To discover things that allow us to be more productive while making our clients pleased is indeed a breakthrough. We consider problems as opportunities to grow, and we continue to seek new discoveries as we strive for progress and betterment. Workplace challenges are inevitable, but they can be effectively addressed with the right strategies and a proactive mindset. By promoting open communication, nurturing a culture of learning and inclusion, and addressing specific challenges head-on, organizations can create a more resilient and productive workforce. Remember that overcoming workplace challenges is an ongoing process that requires dedication and adaptability, but the rewards in terms of personal and professional growth are well worth the effort.

I truly believe that team fostering or team-building activities are paramount and essential for any organizational success and growth and that strong teams are the backbone of any successful organization. I started working from home and since then I thought that it would be very hard for me to get along with my team and the people around in the company. Since I've been working from home I’ve felt like it’s so hard to interact with others and be present but ever since I started attending Cooee team-building activities, workshops, or programs it feels like it works again and I can hold conversations and I can express myself to the people around me. I am beyond grateful to be part of team Autograb here in Cooee. I first attended the kickoff party last January, our team fostering in April and the recent Recoeennect 2.0 last July. It was a great experience ever since I had all those memorable extreme bonds that left the team inspired and invigorated. The gatherings brought together colleagues from various teams, each with their unique skills and perspectives. It fosters and builds trust, communication, and camaraderie. For some employees, working from home can be isolating but for me encouraging virtual social activities and team-building exercises can help build a sense of community among remote workers and also help break down barriers, creating a more open and inclusive environment. I am always looking forward to more team fosterings and gathering activities in the future to continue igniting the passion within our team by fostering a culture of trust, openness, and empowerment because this will fuel innovation, growth, and long-term success. As we at Autograb, believe that coming together and building strong bonds helps our growth and success as a team.

We all have our own unique traits and personality that even identical twins are not 100 percent identical with their DNAs. Diversity is not a bad thing for an organization or a team. Can you imagine a basketball team with players who only know how to defend but do not know how to shoot the ball? In this article, we’ll be talking about the challenges and opportunities that diversification can bring to a team. In a BPO industry like Cooee, you would encounter a variety of people with different fields of expertise. You will encounter nursing graduates, teachers, engineers and any other profession you can think of. Not just with the profession there would also be differences in values, personality, beliefs or culture, mood and even the generation gap. Differences in Personality Challenges: We are all unique in our own ways. Our personalities can be affected by different factors, but we won’t discuss it here. Having different personalities within a team can be conflicting, there are some that are compatible with each other, but there would also be few that would clash with each other, especially people who have a strong personality. Opportunity: Different personalities at Cooee are a cool thing. It may be because of having an Australian owner, which we know is a multicultural society. Instead of comparing our own differences, strengths and weaknesses, we are using it as an advantage. For example, a very reserved person is encouraged to join the activities and even let him/her host the program which boosts their confidence and self-esteem. Generation Gap Challenges: In Cooee, employees are dominated by fresh graduates or little to no experience when it comes to work. They are in the transition of being a student to being a professional. Experienced people can sometimes tend to stick to knowledge they have based on their previous job and struggle to cope with the new generation. While the newcomers, which we call Nooees, might feel a bit intimidated and may experience culture shock. Opportunity: The good thing about Cooee, we can somehow fill this gap through constant communication. I think it is normal to feel intimidated on your first job as a Nooee, but it won’t last because of how everyone, not just on the team, will approach you to make you comfortable with the workplace. Instead of dwelling on the differences of each generation, we are trying to learn from each difference and adapt to it. Beliefs and Culture Challenges: Having a diverse culture and belief in a team may hold back some great ideas. One may not be able to fully express his/her opinion about someone’s work because it might offend the person. Communication is one of the key factors for a successful team, but it would be hard to communicate with people with different cultures resulting in awkwardness and hostility. Opportunity: Rather than compare our differences in culture, we celebrate cultural diversity as a team. We are composed of men and women, have different religious beliefs and even have opposing political viewpoints. We use it as an opportunity to widen our ideas, collaborating with each other and creating better processes. It also helps the team to be open to new perspectives not just at work but also with our personal lives. In the world of diversity, there would be challenges and opportunities. In Cooee we just don’t embrace diversity, but also use it as an advantage for growth and innovation. By recognizing the value of diverse personalities, bridging generational gaps, and celebrating cultural differences, Cooee sets a compelling example for businesses seeking to thrive in today's interconnected world. Embracing diversity isn't just a choice; it's an imperative for success.

An Australian-based company, Autograb, specializing in automotive intelligence across diverse market segments, established a collaborative partnership with Cooee Inc. in Makati, Philippines. This strategic alliance was established as Cooee Inc. provided personnel to Autograb, who worked under their guidance, thereby giving rise to Autograb PH. Initially, the team comprised a single employee, which was later expanded to three. Their primary responsibility is to gather regos, necessitating communication with each seller to obtain specific information about the car. The tasks underwent a transformation and became more manageable with the implementation of Autograb’s systematic collection and daily calculation of regos, which eliminated the need for contacting sellers. This has led to an increase to over five members and the selection of a team leader. In January of the current year, Autograb Leadership in Australia initiated and executed a project that involved the Autograb branch in New Zealand. The project entailed conducting a study and analysis of how software engineers and backend developers could produce automobiles with precise specifications for their clients. In light of this development, Cooee and Autograb have expanded their partnership and recruited additional personnel to hold new responsibilities, leading to the establishment of Autograb New Zealand. The renowned quote by Helen Keller, "Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much," serves as a valuable source of motivation. In the present era, Team Autograb relentlessly endeavors to discover the vast array of opportunities through innovative ideas that may lead to novel investments and establish a global dominance in the automotive software industry.

Hello from Team Autograb, We're excited to share some insights into our team's remarkable expertise and the valuable contributions we make to Cooee Inc. Our Team's Journey We began as a small team of four, initially tasked with collecting registration numbers via phone calls to car sellers. Over time, we not only expanded our methods but also improved the accuracy of our data collection. Expanding Our Reach As our team grew, so did our responsibilities. We took on the challenge of collecting mobile numbers from sellers, even initiating chats when this crucial information was missing from car posts. Introducing Our Teams Today, we've evolved into three specialized groups: Rego Team: Comprising six members, Rego Team uses VPNs and online conversations to gather mobile numbers from sellers. Our meticulous approach involves cross-referencing car photos and utilizing rego checkers to ensure data accuracy. Quality is our top priority. Catalog Update (Special Task): With a dedicated team of three, we hunt down missing specifications and details of car variants and versions in the AutoGrab system. Our commitment to finding missing pieces of the automotive puzzle drives us. NZ Team: A team of three with more members soon to join, our task is all about meticulously matching car information between the AutoGrab site and trusted references. The time we spend on each task varies based on the complexity of the data matching process. Beyond Our Roles But we don't stop at our daily tasks. We are a versatile team, and our contributions extend further: Hosting: We're randomly selected for hosting Cooee Connects or Cooeeck Connects events, fostering teamwork and collaboration. COBH (Conversations on Being Human): Some of us have joined COBH, where we are trained as coaches to ensure our fellow agents maintain a healthy work-life balance. Newsletter Contributors: We took on the challenge of crafting this month's newsletter because Cooee Inc recognizes our potential and we believe in our capabilities. Video Editing Skills: We've even discovered hidden talents in video editing, adding another skill to our repertoire. Our Diverse Talents Remember, each member of our team possesses a unique set of skills and talents, showcasing our versatility and eagerness to tackle any task that comes our way. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and achievements from Team Autograb. We're here to make a difference, proudly representing Cooee Inc.

Work-life balance involves consciously managing your time and energy to meet both professional and personal commitments while prioritizing self-care and well-being. I always stay positive. While working at home and being a Mom there are times that I feel the guilt of struggling to achieve an effective work-life balance, the pressure of societal expectations and stereotypes, and the impact on one's mental and physical health. What I do is set a boundary to ensure that I understand my role, responsibilities, and the expected working hours. Staying healthy and energized for the long haul. When it comes to work-life balance, I need to engage in a variety of activities and rest. I also practice self-care to prevent risk for burnout, fatigue, and stress-related health issues. Plus, overworking has negative consequences for my health and my family. I take necessary steps to develop a healthy work-life balance. It can be difficult but effective time management skills can really help by also encouraging my team to unplug and have a space to connect and socialize. I accept my limits, sometimes I ask help from my family and learn to feel confident about saying NO to a bunch of things so I can focus on the few things that matter: my family and work. I don’t try to be a superwoman, I let myself off the hook and breathe a sigh of relief. And lastly, I find and maintain a healthy work-life balance by discovering the relationship between work and home life. It may take some time, but coaching gives me some help.

It began with the establishment of the New Zealand (NZ) partition within the AutoGrab team. This marked a new chapter, presenting us with unique challenges and opportunities. Streamlining Our Processes: The Journey Begins One of the initial hurdles we faced was the foreignness of the process for handling new tasks. Each member of the NZ team, including myself, started by developing our own processes. It was a period of innovation and adaptation. After careful evaluation, one process was selected to become the standard. The decision to adopt a unified approach improved efficiency and communication within the team. A Special Task: Going Above and Beyond During our journey, a significant change occurred when most of our NZ team members were temporarily reassigned to the original team. However, I was entrusted with a special task – processing and formatting all the produced files. I'm delighted to share that our partner was not only happy but also pleasantly surprised when presented with one of the completed files. They mistakenly believed that only one file was finished. Imagine their delight when they learned that all the files had already been completed! Continuing to Excel: More Special Tasks Await I am now occasionally entrusted with more special tasks, such as providing 'Template Formatting Help' for our partner's company as a whole.

I would like to take a moment to spotlight the incredible efforts of the Autograb team members. Each and every one of them is a genuine, kind, and hardworking individual. As a team leader, it is truly a blessing to have a group of people who are always ready to accept challenges, humble, diligent, and eager to grow and succeed together. I feel truly grateful and fortunate to have such an amazing team. Let me take a moment to spotlight each member of the team. Ate Lorraine, who serves as the mother figure of the team, truly cares for her teammates as if they were her own children. She checks on her colleagues often, oversees them in times of struggle, and provides guidance when they need it. I'm very lucky to have her on the team because she genuinely cares. MJ and Regine use their detective-like skills to scrutinize processes and make suggestions that make tasks easier. These two ladies always show care for the team and constantly seek ways to improve their tasks to make them easier. They are very nice and always willing to go the extra mile. Carla and Allysa are sweet, humble, obedient, and always open to feedback. They share their knowledge with the team and are easy to work with. Mary and Marelen bring an infectious energy to the team, contributing to a positive and fun atmosphere, even though they live far away. These ladies are all very humble, kind, and cohesive as a team. I am proud to have them on the team, as they truly care for each other and work in harmony. In the New Zealand team, Kommel and Emmanuel work tirelessly to improve their role and closely collaborate with our partners for ad-hoc needs, training, and ideas. They are both very humble and go the extra mile for the benefit of their team and partners. Lance puts in extra effort to ensure his tasks are done correctly. He is always willing to offer a helping hand to his teammates, even when it requires overtime. JB is a cool, young man with potential who does not shy away from challenges and displays a genuine love for his work, despite being new to his assigned tasks. He is also a favorite among the girls, thanks to his jolly personality and easy-going nature. Lastly, I would like to spotlight Nooees, Wrenard, Je, Bryan, Leslie, and Zar. These five new members have exceeded my expectations and are humble, easy to get along with, and incredibly genuine. They have a good vibe that has quickly made them beloved by the entire team. Overall, I am incredibly thankful, grateful, and blessed to have the Autograb team in my life. They are my second family and my second home, and they genuinely care for each other like siblings. Our team is growing, and I cannot wait to experience more happiness, more achievements, and more success with them in the future. I want to extend my appreciation to our partners who provide us with great support and ensure that our tasks are well-supported. The Autograb team is a complete group that embodies true family values and is something to be immensely proud of. I personally appreciate each and every member's contributions, and I believe that they deserve all the recognition and gratitude in the world for being such a fantastic team. The transitions remain smooth, and these minor adjustments enhance the clarity and readability of the article.