DHL Global Forwarding – the air, ocean, and road freight specialist of Deutsche Post DHL Group – has been certified as Top Employer across seven African countries. These are Cameroon, Egypt, Gabon, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa. Some of these countries have been recognised as Top Employer several times, with Cameroon, Nigeria and South Africa being recognised the most – four times in a row.
The certification acknowledges DHL’s extensive efforts to create a positive, safe, and encouraging workplace for its employees. Globally, DHL Global Forwarding, Freight has been recognised as a Top Employer in 45 country organisations, receiving certifications as Top Employer Global 2023, Top Employer Asia Pacific 2023, Top Employer Africa 2023, Top Employer Europe 2023, Top Employer Middle East 2023, and Top Employer North America 2023.
“We don’t take our employees for granted because they are the backbone of our success. Without their expertise, skills, dedication, and commitment, we would be unable to provide our customers with world-class logistics and transport solutions,” says Clement Blanc, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding Sub-Saharan Africa. “Outstanding performance is only possible in an excellent environment that leaves room for growth and personal development and fosters wellbeing. Being recognised as a Top Employer across seven African countries proves that we are deeply committed to providing such a working environment for our colleagues.”
The Top Employers Institute programme certifies organisations based on the participation and results of their HR Best Practices Survey. This survey covers six HR domains consisting of 20 topics, including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity & Inclusion, Wellbeing and more. DHL carries out numerous HR initiatives and activities in these areas across sub-Saharan Africa to create a positive working environment where talent and excellence can grow.
Among other things, DHL was recognised for introducing sustainability as a key performance indicator in 2022. This process will be completed in 2023. In addition, DHL made a good impression with its pilot project for an online mentoring platform.
“Many nations still struggle to tap into the full potential of their young talent. The challenge is even more pronounced in developing countries, says Natalie Cox, Head of HR, DHL Global Forwarding Sub-Saharan Africa & South Africa. “Online coaching and mentoring could be one of many solutions to bridging the gap between young talent and economic opportunity. This initiative is part of our commitment to invest in the next generation of leaders and assist them in developing skills and capabilities for a better future.”
“Being awarded as one of the best employers across seven Sub-Saharan African countries makes me really proud,” continues Cox. “With a 14.6 percent unemployment rate in Sub-Saharan Africa, it is vital for economic bodies to invest in skills development programs to enhance youth employability. Skills development among developing countries is vital for the world economy if one considers that they are home to 89 percent of the world’s 10- to 24-year-olds. With our various HR initiatives and programs such as customised training, wellbeing, and women programs, combined with our purpose of connecting people and improving lives, we are on the right track.”
In addition to DHL Global Forwarding, all other Deutsche Post DHL Group divisions were certified as Top Employer 2023 – either at the global, regional, or country level. For the first time, Deutsche Post DHL Group was awarded Top Employer status in Europe. In its assessment of the Group as a whole, the Top Employers Institute highlighted aspects such as the enormous value placed on ethics and integrity and the business strategy in all divisions. According to the Institute, Deutsche Post DHL Group also stood out because goals and values are clearly defined and effectively communicated to employees.
Deutsche Post DHL Group is one the world’s largest employers, with 590,000 employees. In five divisions and 220 countries and territories, people work in more than 1,000 different occupations. As part of an internal training initiative called “Certified”, supervisors train employees to become “Certified Specialists” in their particular areas of responsibility. Deutsche Post DHL Group also runs its annual Employee Opinion Survey, an important tool to measure employee satisfaction and identify potential areas for improvement.
