South Africa - For a family-owned business which is over a hundred years old, Mars Africa has demonstrated its ability to remain relevant and improve its ranking as one of the best companies to work for in South Africa, according to the Deloitte Best Company to Work for Survey results released today. Mars was also honored with the ‘’Standard of Excellence Achievers Award’’ for companies that have achieved an overall mean-score in excess of the excellence threshold of 3.7.
“One of the key focus areas of Mars Africa is to create a winning environment where every one of our associates can excel and grow. At Mars our Five Principles dictate the way we do business. Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom lay the foundation for how we make a difference to People and Planet through our performance,” says Liesel Kruger, Personnel & Organization Manager for Mars Africa.
“We are a multinational company which offers a multicultural environment in which our employees are referred to as Associates, since we view them as co-owners of the business. Mars Africa is diligent about recruiting and retaining best of breed through ongoing training and development. But more than that, we offer recognition and rewards to those who contribute to our high-performance culture, and we create opportunities for career advancement.”
Deloitte surveys 13 dimensions that included: Job Satisfaction, Values & Culture, Communication, Leadership and Management Style, Training & Development, HR Policies & Procedures, Change Management, Diversity & Transformation, Performance Management, Recognition and Rewards as well as Innovation.
Mars Africa participated within the Small Company Size Category for employers with 50-300 employees, and was surveyed along with over 100 other businesses in South Africa.
Commenting on the internal associate drive, IT Manager Roopa Soma says: “We are rewarded through our vision (performance-based) scheme and Mars Stars program, where Mars associates are encouraged to continuously excel, add value to the teams they work in and to contribute to the overall business efficiency.”
“Being selected to be part of the Mars Africa Leadership self-development program this year has been a rewarding journey. I liked the fact that Mars business recognizes that both hard and soft skills are needed on a personal and professional level and contribute to feeding associates’ desire to excel,” comments Mars Africa financial analyst Lucia Green.
Lucia added: “Another aspect that I particularly appreciate about Mars is the fact that we do not subscribe to hierarchical structures. There is no bureaucracy and our open plan offices which facilitates a steady flow of communication, bear testament to this. We are in a learning environment where we relate to each other on equal levels.”
Roopa added: “Mars directors and senior management are our mentors, our professional and life coaches. We work together as a team so that associates develop health work-life balance. It’s not only about work. The fact that ours is a family-owned business is the tie that binds all Mars associates, across the globe. We see each other as a family.”
Brand manager for Whiskas and Perfect Fit Tebogo Motsepe says: “Through our monthly communication sessions, we are kept up to speed on what is happening in the business and progress in achieving our objectives. Since we are always talking to each other, sharing ideas, creating solutions together, it really makes us feel like we are partners in this business. Regardless of external factors, Mars Africa has not compromised on quality of our products or services, or the well-being of all our associates.”
Business in South Africa is fast-realizing the need to ensure an overall pleasant and rewarding work experience for employees. Job satisfaction impacts performance and undoubtedly the overall efficiency and productivity of any business.
With its Number Four ranking for this year and its commitment to continuously improve working conditions and well-being of its associates, Mars Africa is well on its way to the top!
