"Success isn't always about greatness. It's about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come." —Dwayne Johnson
Courtesy of the Federation of Kenya Employers, the Kenyan business community came together on October 6th, 2023 for an evening of glamour, recognition, and celebration at the much-anticipated Employer of the Year Awards Gala Dinner 2023. Hosted at the Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, this prestigious event honored outstanding employers who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in workplace practices and set the benchmark for workplace standards in Kenya.
The event was organized by FKE , in partnership with the International Labour Organization, Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and Business Africa Confederation of Employers (BUSINESSAfrica) , with the aim of recognizing and celebrating those who have made a significant impact in fostering a positive work environment.
The evening was a remarkable showcase of the finest organizations and employers in the country. The Gala Dinner welcomed industry leaders, government officials, HR professionals, and distinguished guests who were eager to celebrate the excellence of their peers.
The ceremony commenced with a welcome address from Ms. Jacqueline Mugo, Executive Director and CEO, FKE who set the tone for the evening by emphasizing the importance of recognizing and appreciating exceptional employers for their contributions to the workforce. "The Employer of the Year Awards Gala Dinner is not just a ceremony; it is a celebration of the dedication, innovation, and passion that drive our organizations to greater heights," Ms Mugo said.
The awards were divided into several categories, each highlighting different aspects of excellence in employment practices. These categories included Leadership and Governance, Corporate Performance, Innovations and Productivity, Responsible Business Conduct, Inclusiveness and Diversity, workplace environment, Learning and Development and Human Resource Practice and Industrial Relations. Various companies submitted their entries and the lead consultant, NeilsenIQ rigorously assessed each one based on a set of predetermined criteria and came to a conclusion on the winners who were announced during this evening.
One of the night's most prestigious accolades, the "Employer of the Year" overall winner award, was presented to Isuzu East Africa. This organization demonstrated an exceptional commitment to fostering a positive work culture and implementing best practices across the board. The recipient expressed gratitude for the recognition and pledged to continue creating a supportive and inclusive workplace environment.
The evening culminated in a mood of jubilation as the award recipients were celebrated for their unwavering commitment to creating conducive and inspiring workplaces. The event underscored the importance of recognizing and rewarding excellence in employment practices, ultimately leading to a more productive and prosperous workforce in Kenya.
As the participants departed from the Employer of the Year Awards Gala Dinner 2023, they left with a sense of pride in their profession, a commitment to excellence, and the anticipation of witnessing the positive impact of these celebrated employers on Kenya's workforce. The evening was a testament to the fact that recognizing and celebrating outstanding employers is not just a form of appreciation but also a catalyst for the continual improvement of workplace standards across the nation.