29 January 2024
Lebogang Mashala
The Top Employers Institute named Bayer Top Employer Newcomer in Africa and 2024’s Top Employer in Kenya and South Africa.
According to the company, being recognised as a top employer is a testament to its devotion to fostering a better workplace.
The Top Employers Institute is the global authority on recognising excellence in people practices. Participants in the institute’s certification programme can be validated, certified and recognised as employers of choice.
Bayer performed well in the institute’s human resources (HR) best practices survey, which uses six domains – steer, shape, attract, develop, engage and unite – to evaluate companies against global benchmarking tools. Bayer scored above 80% in four of them.
Of the survey’s 20 topics, Bayer scored more than 80% in 15 covering business strategy, people strategy, leadership strategy, organisation and change, digital HR, work environment, employer branding, performance, career, learning, purpose and values, ethics and integrity, diversity, equity and inclusion, and sustainability.
In comparison to 2023 benchmark scoring, Bayer scored higher in leadership strategy, organisation and change, digital HR, employer branding, performance, career, purpose and values, diversity, equity and inclusion, and sustainability.
According to Merab Olang’, head of HR at Bayer South-East Africa, the Covid-19 pandemic and shifting global and economic landscapes have greatly affected the way organisations operate.
Olang’ said the company has implemented changes throughout its operations to uphold its mission of promoting health for all and eliminating hunger by empowering employees to reach their full potential.
“Our ways of working are reflective of the changes and lessons that have arisen from our changing world. We joined the Top Employer programme to measure our work in areas such as HR, sustainability and health and safety against external best-in-class standards in the world of work,” said Olang’.
“We are also leveraging and utilising the insights gained to inform our HR-related initiatives and make data-driven decisions, as we constantly seek improvements in various aspects. I am delighted that Bayer scored higher in all categories of the survey.”
Olang’ said the findings will further strengthen Bayer’s reputation as a top employer in Kenya and South Africa.
According to David Plink, Top Employers Institute CEO, exceptional times bring out the best in people and organisations. “We have witnessed this in our Top Employers certification programme this year,” he said.
“These employers have always shown that they care for the development and well-being of their people. By doing so, they collectively enrich the world of work. We are proud to announce and celebrate this year’s group of leading people-oriented employers: the Top Employers 2024.”
Olang’ said Bayer knows its business success and ability to overcome challenges is largely due to the commitment of its employees and the organisation’s values.
“Our priority is to continuously draw and retain exceptionally talented individuals from around the world, providing them with opportunities to experience various facets of our business and fostering a work environment where everyone can thrive and achieve their full potential. This is why this certification is integral to us. It is an achievement we are proud of,” she said.
