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The list of Top Employers for 2021 was announced at the end of January after the event was postponed in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The accolade is awarded in recognition of employers around the world that provide excellent conditions for their employees. Included in the considerations are the company’s commitment to employee wellbeing, continuous improvement and development of talent within the organisation.
"To receive the Top Employer certification for 10 consecutive years is a milestone and a testament to our commitment to continuously improving our value proposition to our employees," said Thabo Nkoane, human resources director for VWSA. "I am proud to be part of an organisation that has been recognised consistently for its efforts to put people first, by building a culture of excellence and empowerment."
As one of the largest private employers in Nelson Mandela Bay, VWSA responded swiftly to the threat of Covid-19. All VWSA sites were prepared during Level 5 of lockdown to ensure the safety of returning employees – a process that included installing extensive signage and sanitising stations, implementing body temperature checks at all entrances, and redesigning workspaces to allow for physical distancing.
Returning employees were re-oriented to the new workplace through a series of information sessions and a booklet detailing all new protocols, and were issued with a digital thermometer and disposable face masks.
An extensive internal communication campaign has been running since March 2020, aimed at keeping employees safe and informed. The team behind these efforts, which included over 900 communiqués by the end of 2020, was awarded a Silver Quill award from the International Association of Business Communicators. The annual event recognises outstanding communication in a business setting across the African continent.
Throughout the pandemic, VWSA’s employees have also received medical and psychological support from the in-house Wellness Centre. The centre also facilitated the testing of 3,734 employees for Covid-19, prior to the company re-opening in January. This included all production employees, as well as office staff that returned to company sites, though office staff are still encouraged to work from home where possible.
In order to achieve their Top Employer certification, VWSA participated in a rigorous assessment, which includes an intensive survey of the company’s people practices as well as an independent audit. Criteria for the certification range from learning and development initiatives, company culture, workforce planning and compensation and benefits.
