A ceremony where recognition and employee experience were at the heart of the celebrations.
Absa Mauritius celebrated the exceptional commitment and contributions of its employees at the prestigious Shujaa and Long Service Awards ceremony held at Hotel Le Méridien on Thursday, 6 June 2024. This annual event highlighted the true drivers of the bank’s sustainable performance, emphasising personalised and empathetic customer experiences.
During this memorable evening, 125 employees were honoured for their dedication and performance. Out of the 83 nominees, 55 were distinguished in the following categories:
- Innovation Award
- Absa Value Award
- Best People Manager Award
- Best Idea Generated Award
- Best Collaboration Award
- Customer Obsession Award
The winners received a trophy and a gift voucher worth between Rs10,000 and Rs 100,000.
Additionally, 42 employees were recognised for their loyalty to the company, having reached milestones of 10, 15, 20, and 30 years of service.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the CEO Appreciation Award, recognising employees who played a key role in the historic acquisition of HSBC Mauritius' domestic Wealth and Personal Banking and Business Banking segments. Ravin Dajee, Managing Director of Absa Mauritius, expressed his gratitude to the employees: "At Absa Mauritius, we are committed to constantly improving our employees' experience, knowing that we can always do better. The upcoming integration of 65 new colleagues marks a crucial step in our growth, made possible by the dedication of our teams."
Ravin Dajee also acknowledged the presence of the families and friends of the nominated employees, reflecting Absa’s family spirit. He highlighted that their patience and understanding are essential in supporting the members of the Absa family: "The nominated employees had the opportunity to share this moment with a family member or friend. Their support is instrumental in our collective success."
Yogen Soobarah, Head of People and Culture, added: "In today's digital age, recognition is of utmost importance. It boosts motivation and strengthens team engagement. The Shujaa Awards are at the heart of our recognition strategy, aiming to inspire a dynamic and engaged workforce." Today, we strive to instil a culture of recognition that focuses not just on rewards but on acknowledging colleagues' contributions throughout the employee lifecycle, from onboarding to retirement.
Absa Mauritius stands out for its commitment to innovation and employee well-being. In 2021, over MUR21 million was invested in the professional and personal development of our teams, efforts that were rewarded with an exceptional score of 80% in the 2023 National Engagement Survey.
In August 2023, Absa Mauritius launched the Shujaa digital recognition platform, a web-based system designed to complement its recognition programme. "Shujaa," meaning "brave" in Swahili, is an initiative aimed at recognising and celebrating exceptional employee performance. The key feature of this system is instant recognition, visible to all colleagues, thereby enhancing transparency and collective appreciation. Employees can accumulate points redeemable for various rewards available on the platform.
Medha Goodary, a recipient of three awards at this ceremony, shared: "I am honoured to have received these distinctions. As an employee, I feel valued and motivated. These awards highlight the importance of every contribution at Absa and strengthen our team spirit."
Absa Mauritius is committed to creating a positive and inclusive work environment, valuing everyone’s contributions and ensuring continuous growth for its employees and the organisation. We believe in individual and collective growth, aiming to make a positive impact on our clients, our staff, and the communities we serve.
