Nampak Plastics takes top place in CIPD People Management Awards 2010

Nampak’s commitment to encouraging its workforce to be involved in all aspects of its business was recognised this month when it received the accolade of overall winner in the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) 2010 awards as well as scooping the Employment Engagement Category.

The judges were impressed by the company’s ‘Participate Programme’ which Nampak launched in autumn 2009. The initiative is designed to develop a new approach to leadership and management and encourages the entire company to participate in contributing ideas for ways to improve both the employee and customer experience. The programme also looks at recommendations for improving the company’s waste management procedures.

Managers at each of the company’s sites work with their teams to review ideas put forward by individual team members and the best suggestions are implemented on site. A database of ideas is collated and workshops were held at the company’s spring conference earlier this year in order to share best practice across all sites.

Nampak also set up Working Groups at individual sites and across the business to focus on major projects and contribute ideas in key areas such as corporate social responsibility, carbon footprint and health and well-being.

Other initiatives designed to ensure employees are motivated and have a positive experience at work include a buddy system for new employees, an Employee of the Month award plus Excellence Awards across a range of categories.

A recent survey has proved the success of the initiative in changing the culture of the business. It shows a complete reversal in the workforce’s response to a similar survey in 2007 when asked if they would recommend Nampak as an employer. In 2007 80% would not have recommended the company, but now the opposite is true, with 80% saying that they would recommend Nampak as a great place to work to their family and friends.

The 2010 survey also found that over 90% of employees said they were well informed about the business and believed they were encouraged to suggest ideas for improvements with a gratifying 100% believing in Nampak’s long-term future.

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 employee engagement initiative is led by Eric Collins, Managing Director, Nampak Plastics supported by Cathie Wright-Smith, Quality & Organisation Development Director and her HR team. He comments: “To be declared overall winner of these awards is a tremendous endorsement of a journey that started three years ago. It was not a group initiative – this was something I passionately wanted to do to take an already successful business on to another level.

“Our success will hopefully be a motivation to other traditional manufacturing businesses to demonstrate that with the drive, determination and commitment of senior management, culture change can happen for a relatively small financial investment.

“We have an exceptional workforce at Nampak and we are proud that their commitment to our business has resulted in our winning this award. I strongly believe that our collaborative culture delivers real benefits to the business, not only in terms of employee morale but also in strengthening customer relationships and in associated improvements in manufacturing processes.”