Transforming Workplace with Transparency and Trust
Varinder Singh
Chief Human Resources Officer
Africare Global
I n today’s dynamic workplace, success depends on understanding and embracing the diverse needs of all employees. As the workforce evolves, so do the expectations and values of its members. While Generation Z is often highlighted for their techsavviness and demand for transparency, these qualities are becoming increasingly essential across all age groups. Companies that recognise and adapt to these shifts are poised for greater innovation and growth. To delve deeper into the unique strategies that position Africare Global among the best companies to work for, we spoke with Varinder Singh, Chief Human Resources Officer at Africare Global, who believes that, “Younger workers can be a tremendous resource in terms of innovation, creativity, and energy—provided that companies engage them in a transparent way.” Let’s explore their approach and commitment to transparency, which not only set them apart but also provide a blueprint for other organisations aiming to attract and retain talent.
"Younger workers can be a tremendous resource in terms of innovation, creativity, and energy—provided that companies engage them in a transparent way"
Let’s explore their approach and commitment to transparency, which not only set them apart but also provide a blueprint for other organisations aiming to attract and retain talent.
What are your company's core values and how do they influence daily operations and decisions?
At Africare Global, transparency drives our operations and decision-making every day. We maintain openness in everything from operations to expansion plans, building trust among our partners and employees. Ownership is another key value, as we empower our associates to take charge of their projects, encouraging initiative and mutual growth. Care is deeply ingrained in our culture, demonstrated through extensive educational and training programs that support our associates’ development. Lastly, we emphasise critical support and development, offering leadership programs that benefit both the company and individual growth. These values have been our cornerstone for over 10 years, driving us forward with a startup-like Dynamism.
What career advancement and professional development opportunities are available within your company?
Our organisation is growing both vertically and horizontally, so there are a multitude of growth opportunities within the group & our portfolio companies. With rapid expansion, we provide a dynamic environment for growth. We encourage cross-functional learning, allowing employees to engage in diverse projects and activities. Our strategic succession planning and bi-annual manpower assessments the need for lateral hiring or in-house talent cultivation. Additionally, we offer specialised programs like Masterclasses and Town Halls to connect, collaborate and improve. Many of our top-level leaders have risen internally, driving both personal and company growth.
What are your company's goals and strategic plans for the next five years, and how are you preparing the workforce for these changes?
Africare Global aims to grow its workforce to 10,000 and achieve aggrieve yet substantial revenue growth in next five years. We plan extensive expansions across Africa and Asia, supported by our well-prepared talent pipeline. We invest heavily in in-house talent cultivation through on-job training, coaching, and mentoring programs to ready our workforce for future responsibilities and opportunities.
What are the ongoing commitments to give back to the community?
Through our LifeCare Foundation, we support over 500 underprivileged children with their education up to primary and secondary levels. We’re also enhancing DEI by hiring specially-abled individuals. Along with child education, the Lifecare Foundation has many other initiatives, like ‘Going Back to School’ and ‘Community Wellness,’ that give us the opportunity to give back to society.
What recent initiatives have impacted your company's growth and employee engagement?
Africare Global has recently implemented several impactful initiatives that have significantly boosted company growth and employee engagement. Our standout initiative is the automation of our learning and development process, creating one of the top healthcare learning management systems. In just a year, over a thousand associates have been trained, and we’re continuously digitising this platform for better efficiency.
“On the engagement front, we've launched two key programs: 'The Extra Milers Club,' which rewards employees and their families with sponsored international trips, and the 'Educational Support System,' which sponsors the education of employees' children up to age 21.”
Currently, over 250 employees benefit from this initiative, which offers up to $500 reimbursed per child, sports scholarships of up to $2000, and Apple iPads for the next generation of field superstars.
Additionally, we support children with special needs and offer extensive travel opportunities through our strategic office in India, enabling employees to travel to Africa and other countries. These initiatives have not only created a supportive and engaging work environment but have also driven our overall growth and success.
How does Africare Global appreciate and recognise employee contributions?
At Africare Global, we employ several unique approaches to appreciate and recognise our employees’ contributions. With a median age of 28 among our 3,700 employees, our young and energetic workforce thrives on learning and innovation. We have ongoing group recognition programs and on-the-spot recognition initiatives that celebrate individual efforts promptly. Additionally, we offer specialised courses to enhance employees’ skills as a form of appreciation. Our recruitment of management trainees from top business schools like ISB and IIM has enabled us to design and implement inspiring reward and recognition programs. We also maintain robust bonus policies to keep motivation high. These initiatives ensure that our employees feel valued and recognised for their contributions.
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