Based on the CRF Institute Top Employers in Africa Index for 2013/2014, Microsoft has been found to be one of top employers in Africa. The software giants had earlier been nominated on the same platform last year. Both nominations have been based on their operations in certain key African countries, more specifically Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa. It is a positive which probably points out that Microsoft is doing something right here on the continent.
Basically CRF is about certifying excellence in the conditions that employers create for their people around the world. According to details of the certification process as obtained from the CRF website, “The Top Employers certification is only awarded to organizations that achieve the highest standards of excellence in employee conditions. The first step in the certification process is a company’s participation in the HR Best Practices Survey: a comprehensive analysis of the Human Resources environment. ”
From the findings of this comprehensive index, Microsoft has been found to successfully demonstrate excellence in the application of its Human Resources policies and practices across all of the countries where it operates. This is a major criterion for the certification. Here in Africa, It is no longer news that economies are growing quite rapidly, opening up excellent opportunities on the way. These opportunities can only be maximized with the attraction, retention and engagement of top talents. This is an attestation that Microsoft seems to be doing this quite well, at least based on the findings available.
Also according to details provided by CRF, “Once certified as a Top Employer, qualifying organizations can profile their exclusive status for one year. This enhances their employer brand and announces to existing employees, potential employees and other stakeholders that the organization is excelling at providing an enriching experience for its employees and, in doing so, is part of an elite group of international businesses.”
Speaking with regards to the company’s achievement, Cherise Mendoza, Microsoft’s HR Lead in West, East, Central Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, said “We strive to make our programs, processes and overall way of working with our employees first class.” She continued, “As we grow on the continent, we work continuously with our 10 000 partners across Africa to ensure the best possible reach and impact. We are constantly adding to our team of dedicated people on the ground who truly understand the African economic and business environment, this is what makes the difference.”
According to her, the Microsoft 4Afrika initiative launched in February is a new effort through which the company will actively engage in Africa’s economic development to improve its global competitiveness. Indicating the project representation: “This forms part of our vision to give more people and businesses in Africa access to technology at a more affordable price. To achieve this vision, we have made a significant investment in our talent pool, to allow us to enable businesses in Africa to realize their full potential through innovative technologies,”
Mendoza added that “Microsoft as a global organization has been able to instill a culture of performance excellence in its employees. We have big goals, dreams and aspirations, particularly for the African continent.” This seems to have been proven right by the findings of the Index.
Laudable though, but no doubt, we all know that Microsoft could do more to achieve their goals for the continent. And in a bid to be the premier employer on the African continent, especially with more businesses starting up and expanding across the continent, the company’s aim to bring products and services that meet unique needs and help grow organizations; should come in very handy.
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