Nampak tops for Employee Engagement

Nampak Plastics Europe a manufacturer of High Density Polyethylene bottles for the food and drink industry, has been selected as the overall winner of The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) People Management Awards 2010.

They were singled out particularly for achievement in transforming levels of employee engagement by leadership from the very top, through embedding a company culture that harnesses the commitment and involvement of employees, delivering real competitive advantage. The announcement was made last night at a prestigious awards dinner in Manchester.

The work culture Nampak enjoys today has been driven through engagement initiatives that encourage employees to not only recognise customers and their needs, but also to share in the development of the organisation. And these engagement initiatives are driven from the top, with both a managing director, Eric Collins, who passionately believes ordinary employees have the potential to transform the performance of the business, and an HRD, Cathie Wright-Smith, who turns the theory of ‘employee engagement’ into practical initiatives that really speak to people on the shop floor. This has helped to cement a strong, positive culture among employees.

These engagement initiatives have resulted in a rapid switch from 80% of employees who wouldn’t recommend working for the company to their friends in 2006, to 80% who would in 2009. Employee feedback demonstrates some exceptional outcomes, including 100% of employees saying that they know how to improve performance, 98% believing their manager listens to what they say and more than 90% say they are happy with their job.

The new initiatives include ensuring that all new starters have a buddy, awards for staff excellence, a suggestion scheme that offers a financial reward for the best ideas, working groups for any major new projects and a general strategy to involve staff more in setting goals and the future direction of the business. A ‘performance dashboard’ approach is used to regularly monitor management information that has successfully raised efficiency measures and attendance levels while decreasing complaints and disciplinary levels. The staff magazine, Message in a Bottle, encompasses this integrated culture with many articles written by employees.

Jackie Orme, CIPD Chief Executive, says: “Nampak Plastics Europe Limited gives an inspirational example of how to achieve a committed, engaged and productive workforce, which has helped sustain the future performance of the organisation. They’ve proved that putting people at the heart of the organisation and encouraging a culture of clear communication and involvement at all levels helps to leverage the true value of employees.

“In the constantly challenging world of business, strong leadership, effective communication and employee involvement prove time and again that a motivated and engaged workforce will provide the competitive edge necessary for long-term success.”  
The CIPD People Management Awards also recognises good practice in six specific people management and development categories as well as the Michael Kelly Outstanding Student Award. An Award was given to the winner for each category below:

• Employee engagement:
Winner: Nampak Plastics Europe Limited
Runner up: Screwfix

• Excellence through technology:
Winner: DHL Supply Chain
Runner Up: St Mungo’s

• HR impact on business success:
Winner: Outward Housing
Runner Up: Atos Origin

• Organisational learning:
Winner: RSA Insurance
Runner Up: Signet Trading Limited

• Performance and Reward:
Winner: Nationwide Building Society
Runner Up: The University of Sheffield

• Talent attraction and management:
Winner: The Cyrenians
Runner Up: Argos

• Michael Kelly Outstanding Student Award:
Winner: Nicola Seabury
Runner Up: Sam Westwood