World pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has been recognised as a Top Employer in Kenya and South Africa. The drug manufacturer, which has been in the news in recent months as a leader in the search for a coronavirus vaccine was picked for the 2021 Top Employers award by Top Employers Institute as one of the companies in the world with worker-friendly policies and practices  

Being certified as a Top Employer is billed as a strong approval rating and showcases an organisation’s dedication to a better world of work and through excellent human resource policies and people practices.

The Top Employers Institute programme certifies organisations based on the participation and results of their Human Resource Best Practices Survey that covers areas such as people strategy, work environment, talent acquisition, learning, well-being, diversity and Inclusion.

Top Employers Institute chief executive David Plink says, “Despite the challenging year we have experienced (which has certainly made an impact on organisations around the globe), AstraZeneca has continued to demonstrate the power of putting their people first in the workplace. We are proud to share this year’s announcement and congratulate the organisations who have been certified in their respective countries through the Top Employers Institute programme.”

Country president of African cluster (South Africa, sub-Sahara and French-speaking Africa), Barbara Nel, observes, “None of what we have achieved this year would have been possible without the tremendous efforts of all our teams, despite personal challenges faced.”

Ms Nel explained that achieving the Top Employer certification is testament that each individual within our region is working with absolute determination and passion to make a difference, to each other and around the world.

“The distinction is a reaffirmation of our commitment to continue to work hard at building our inclusive culture, supported by enabling people-focused practices and policies, because this is how we will make the most of our strengths,” she points out.

Top Employers Institute is a global authority on recognising excellence in “people practices.” Through the Top Employers Institute certification programme, participating companies are validated, certified and recognised as an employer of choice.

Established more than 30 years ago, Top Employers Institute has certified over 1,600 organisations in 119 countries and has impact the lives of over 6.9 million employees globally.

• Tell report