Nampak Plastics wins people management award

The Newport Pagnell, Bucks-based manufacturer was 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". CIPD said the work culture Nampak enjoys was driven through engagement initiatives that encouraged employees to not only recognise customers and their needs, but also to share in the development of the organisation. These initiatives were driven from the top, with a managing director, Eric Collins, who passionately believes that ordinary employees have the potential to transform the performance of the business, and an HR director, Cathie Wright-Smith, who turns the theory of 'employee engagement' into practical initiatives that really speak to people on the shop floor. This had helped to cement a strong, positive culture among employees. This had 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 demonstrated 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. CIPD chief executive Jackie Orme said: "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."