Sustainability

Employee wellbeing

We recognise that employees feel more competent and valued when their holistic needs are catered for, including physical, mental, and financial.

COVID-19 MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATION

1 311

EMPLOYEES TESTEDACROSS THE GROUP
(2021: 1 021)

The health and safety of our employees remain a top priority. Unfortunately, two employees were diagnosed with COVID Long Haul and are on temporary disability. Regrettably, we lost 19 employees who succumbed to COVID-19-related complications since the onset of the pandemic.

On 23 June 2022, the health minister gazetted that masks were no longer compulsory when indoors, and the organisation followed suit, with employees no longer needing to wear masks in the office.

COVID-19 SUPPORT

AfroCentric continued to offer emotional and medical support through the monthly COVID-19 support groups facilitated by professional therapists and medical practitioners. The last support group session took place in January 2022. This session highlighted the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine and covered a variety of employee concerns. This also formed part of the mandatory vaccination drive initiated in October 2021.

VACCINATION STATISTICS

68%

OF OUR EMPLOYEES HAVEBEEN VACCINATED
(2021: 46% OF EMPLOYEES)

As at the end of June 2022, 68% of employees were fully vaccinated against the COVID‑19 virus. In the June edition of the CEO update, employees were advised to still get vaccinated for their health and safety.

WORK FROM HOME

1218

EMPLOYEES ARE WORKING FROM HOME
(2021: 1 179)

Our business model innovations are aligned to help us deliver services using automated platforms, virtual interfaces and digital services. In addition, automation of business processes is assisting in moving our employees to areas where they can add more value.

Medscheme implemented a work-from-home pilot project to assess the viability of a permanent work-from-home model in 2021. A total of 1280 employees applied to work from home permanently during the pilot of this project.

Furthermore, the organisation is committed to recognising the changes occurring within all work spheres, and we are introducing a flexible working arrangement policy. This will allow employees to map out their ideal work day/week. Employees will need to apply for this and will only be approved if they qualify based on set criteria.

In working towards being an employer of choice, we understand that employees need flexibility for reasons such as parenting, medical circumstances and work-life balance, to name a few. Various working arrangements will be permitted, like flexible working time and reduced office days.

MENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN

MENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN THEMED

"You are not alone"

CONTINUED TO ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT EMPLOYEES DURING THE PANDEMIC

In the current context, both physical and mental health have become critical areas of focus across the business. As a result, enhancements in support, communication and education have been pursued. In addition, mental health services have been made available to our employees and their families.

Skills development
Performance management