Employees

We acknowledge that employees are the drivers of our business performance, and our human resources strategy is aimed at enhancing performance through staff recognition schemes, training and development, sound employee relations and an employee well-being programme.

A results-driven culture pervades the business and individuals are managed according to targets which are directly linked to the group’s goals and objectives.

Employment equity

We are committed to ensuring that our employee profile is representative of the customer base we serve and the communities in which Lewis trades. Black staff currently account for 85% of the total staff complement, with females comprising 55%.

Percentage of the permanent workforce from previously disadvantaged groups (2008 – 2004 statistics)

Staff benefits

We aim to create an environment where loyal staff are rewarded for their contribution to the success of the group, and this is reflected in the remuneration structures and benefits offered to staff.

These include:

• Compulsory membership of the Lewis Provident Fund or the SACCAWU National Provident Fund
• Voluntary medical aid, subsidised by the company
• Home loan assistance
• Educational bursaries
• Subsidised canteen facilities at head office
• Counselling facilities
• Discounts on merchandise
• Low-cost funeral and personal accident insurance

Industrial relations

A recognition agreement exists with the South African Commercial and Allied Worker’s Union (SACCAWU) and other trade unions.

Recognition agreements have also been concluded with unions in Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland.

Training

An extensive range of training courses is offered to all employees to enhance their performance and skills. Our training department is accredited as a training provider with the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&R SETA) and offers a range of computer-based training in areas such as management development, sales training, induction training and other job-specific skills training.

Lewis Live, a weekly training programme broadcast on the in-house television system, enables us to expose all branches to standardised skills training and the latest product information. The programme features two products per week and all sales people are tested on their knowledge of these products.

2009 training statistics