The institute recognises companies for their outstanding HR strategies and people practices, with 24 organisations from 31 African countries included in this year’s cohort. As part of the ranking, companies are evaluated across a number of key areas including:

• Talent strategy;
• Workforce planning;
• On-boarding;
• Learning & development;
• Performance management;
• Leadership development;
• Career & succession management;
• Compensation & benefits;
• Culture.

The Top Employers Institute then evaluates the implementation of these practices and reviews how they are supported through strategy, ownership, practices, measurement and technology. It must also be noted that the Top Employers certification is by application.

Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company Unilever was ranked as the top employer in South Africa, followed by professional services firm Accenture, and telecommunications company Vodacom. The overall top 20 for South Africa is outlined below.

In 2021, the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic continued to be a challenging and difficult time for societies across the globe. It demanded that companies worldwide continue to commit to meeting the changing needs of their employees and the wider world around them, said chief executive of Top Employers Institute David Plink.

“Reflecting on the demanding year that has, like the year before it, impacted organisations across the world. We are happy to see those certified organisations in Africa have continued to prioritise maintaining excellent people practices in the workplace.

“Despite the challenges, they continue to meet the challenges of the changing world of work while working tirelessly to make a positive impact on the lives of their workforce.”