Johannesburg, 31 May 2023 – In spite of tough trading conditions and escalating social economic challenges, Bridgestone Southern Africa has continued to invest in and care for its people. This commitment was rewarded when earlier this year, the Company was certified as a Top Employer for the second year running.
Anisha Singh, who has been with Bridgestone for 25 years, reflects on the strong culture of caring that has been demonstrated during her employment with Bridgestone. “I am proud to be working for a Top Employer in South Africa. I feel valued and having a strong team makes my job fulfilling and manageable,” says the Administration Manager based in KwaZulu-Natal.
Anisha adds that over the years, she has been privileged to witness the transformation of leaders within the Company who are putting people first and demonstrating genuine care. This act of care serves as a catalyst for motivation where “there is no limit to what people can achieve, irrespective of their role or position in the Company,” says Anisha.
Echoing this appreciation of the culture of caring, Neo Lechela who works in Consumer Sales at the Company’s Head Office in Midrand, calls Bridgestone his “second home”. “You are not just a number, but a VIP at Bridgestone,” he says. “I have grown to better manage myself and my work, which has enabled me to plan and execute on what is expected of me and deliver results. Since joining Bridgestone, the Company has offered training aligned with my career, which has improved my performance.”
This culture of learning is also recognised by Anisha who says that lifelong learning is one of her values. “Taking on new challenges is part of my process of growing as an individual. Last year I completed leadership development training at GIBS and this year I was nominated to join the EMIA group of female professionals within the “Women in Motion – Lead, Inspire, Connect Program’’ with the intention of accelerating my personal leadership impact,” she says.
The emphasis on employee well-being and development is a core value for Bridgestone. Jacques Rikhotso, Managing Director of Bridgestone Southern Africa’s Wholesale Business, remarks that employee well-being is key to Bridgestone competing in a constantly evolving sector. “Being named as a Top Employer is a huge honour for us as a company, it proves that what we’re doing is working; particularly because we work extremely hard to place our people first because we know that we’d be lost without their efforts.
“As we conclude on Workers Month, we welcome the reflection on our people that this period brings, but in reality, every day of the year we’re doing all we can to ensure that they have a workplace in which they can flourish.’’
The evidence of this strategy working is clear for all to see in the consecutive Top Employer certifications, in which Bridgestone has outperformed in all modules measured by the Top Employers Institute.