VW officially the best auto industry employer

UITENHAGE is home to the best car manufacturer to work for in the country. For the third year in a row Volkswagen Group of SA (VWSA) has been certified by the Top Employer Institute (TEI) as a top employer in South Africa and top employer in the automotive industry for the past year.

VWSA communications manager Matt Gennrich said the survey measured several HR categories, based on international standards applied across 45 countries worldwide.

"Some of the HR practices of VWSA that stand out are our communications, training and career development as well as health and wellness approach to employees," Gennrich said.

The company has installed communication hubs across the factory to deliver internal communication messages on flat screen TVs and runs a campaign known as My Story, in which employees are encouraged to tell stories outside of work that define them.

"Our recruitment strategy also includes career training and development of each employee, who is equipped with a career development plan. In terms of our holistic approach to health and wellness support, we have doctors and nurses at the factory who offer health services to employees," Gennrich said.

TEI is an international group that certifies excellence in conditions that employers create for their people.

The award itself comes after intense research, with findings independently audited by Grant Thornton.

"Our comprehensive independent research revealed that VWSA has demonstrated itself as a leader in the HR environment," TEI chief executive David Plink said.