Volkswagen South Africa has been certified as a top employer for the 10th year in a row. This prestigious accolade is an international recognition from the Top Employers Institute, which was established in 1991 and has awarded leading businesses with the certification in over 120 countries. This 2021 Top Employer accreditation was given to VW South Africa for its commitment to its employees and their safety and well-being.
The announcement recognises VW South Africa’s efforts to provide all employees with excellent work environments that are safe, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. It also highlights the car manufacturer’s commitment to continuous improvement and training of staff members.
VW is a direct customer of Formex and we are proud to be associated with a world-class brand. Formex has a long-standing relationship with VW and has strived to improve our service delivery to them. We have been successful in winning numerous new projects and relocation efforts with VW South Africa.
VW ensures the safety of its entire workforce
“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,” says human resources director for VW South Africa, Thabo Nkoane. “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,” he adds.
The automotive brand is one of the largest employers in the Nelson Mandela metropolitan area and has to respond rapidly to Covid-19 last year. During the initial lockdown, all VW facilities and outlets were thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and prepared for the returning workforce. This process included the installation of sanitising stations, temperature checks and rearranging all workspaces to facilitate social distancing.
All returning employees underwent updated training on best practices amidst a global pandemic. These information sessions taught employees about the stringent new protocols and processes that had been set up. The nationwide workforce was also issued with disposable face masks so that they could return to work in a safer environment.
Keeping employees informed throughout 2020
VW South Africa implemented an extensive internal communication strategy that would keep all employees informed and up-to-date on the latest news about the virus and the company. Over 900 people worked as part of this communications team, which was awarded a Silver Quill from the International Association of Business Communicators towards the end of 2020.
VW also provided all employees with medical and psychological support through its in-house wellness centre. This facility conducted more than 3700 Covid-19 tests on VW employees and is available to help workers through these difficult times. The Top Employer certification took all of these factors into account.
An independent audit and intensive survey were also used to establish the grounds for the award. Other criteria for the certification include learning and development initiatives, corporate culture, taskforce planning and compensation or benefits for employees. VW South Africa continues to lead the way in the African automotive industry when it comes to workforce care and well-being.
Formex Industries is a metal forming and assembly company that supplies a variety of complex products to the local automotive industry and the export market. The company is based in the Nelson Mandela Bay metropole, South Africa’s foremost region for automotive manufacturing and export.
Formex is a supplier with over 80% black ownership, of which more than 40% are black women. The company is owned by Deneb Investments Limited – a subsidiary of Hosken Consolidated Investments Limited (HCI) – one of South Africa’s biggest true B-BBEE companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).
Follow us on Facebook for the latest industry news and features relating to our products and services.
