ABSA GETS TOP EMPLOYER CERTIFICATION FOR THIRD YEAR

Absa, a leading financial institution, has once again earned the esteemed Top Employer designation for the year 2023, marking the third consecutive year of recognition by the prestigious Top Employer Institute, this accolade extends across five key markets, namely South Africa, Zambia, Ghana, Botswana, and Kenya.

The certification underscores Absa's steadfast commitment to upholding exemplary people practices and initiatives that consistently surpass rigorous global benchmarks. Notably, Absa has been commended for its exceptional performance in digital HR, learning, career development, ethics, and integrity, placing the Group above industry standards. This recognition emphasizes Absa's dedication to fostering a human-centered work environment, nurturing talent at all organizational levels, and continually optimizing employee experiences.

Jeanett Modise, Absa Group Chief People Officer, expressed pride in receiving this certification once again, emphasizing that it highlights Absa's unwavering commitment to cultivating a workplace where excellence thrives, setting the standard for the financial services industry. Modise stated, "This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our entire team and reaffirms Absa's position as a leading employer of choice."

In a strategic move towards building an empowering organization, Absa introduced a landmark Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) staff scheme last year, this initiative includes a Colleague Share Scheme, providing colleagues in South Africa with equity ownership in Absa Group, colleagues in participating Absa Regional Operations (ARO) and other international entities will engage in a Colleague Phantom Share Scheme. In naming the scheme eKhaya, meaning "home" in isiZulu, the scheme allows each colleague to own a portion of the Absa home.

Modise emphasized that awarding employees with shares aligns with Absa's commitment to being an active force for good and reinforces the organization's mission of "Empowering Africa's Tomorrow, Together, One Story at a Time."

The Top Employer certification also reflects Absa's adoption of a flexible and hybrid work model, showcasing its adaptability to the changing Human Capital landscape. Absa's leaders are equipped and experienced in leading winning teams remotely.

A noteworthy achievement is the increasing number of boomerang employees within Absa's workforce, reflecting the organization's culture and confirming Absa as a place where employees find inspiration and continuously return. Boomerang employees are those who return to a former employer after working elsewhere, highlighting Absa's status as a great workplace.

Obedi Laiser, Managing Director of Absa Bank Tanzania, expressed pride in being part of the Top Employer Group in Africa, emphasizing the organization's commitment to empowering employees beyond their career aspirations.

In addition to the Top Employer designation, Absa received accolades such as being rated among the "25 Best Workplaces to Grow Your Career" by LinkedIn and recognition from Forbes as a top African organization championing women at work. Furthermore, Absa was featured in Forbes's World's Best Employers ranking.

Absa remains unwavering in its commitment to excellence, fostering diversity and inclusion, and empowering its workforce to shape a brighter future for Africa.