Independent research publishing company CRF South Africa recently released its 2009/10 edition of Best Employers South Africa, voting Accenture as overall best employer, based on its talent management tradition and best practice.

“During an economic downturn, many companies may communicate less, or less effectively, to their employees and the market. It’s never fun to convey bad news and painful decisions. However, keeping a low profile and avoiding dialogue can lead to more criticism. Good leader- ship is characterised by explaining decisions and sharing insight into the future.

“By doing so, criticism can be translated into understanding and even support. It’s important that employees who are not made redundant remain connected and engaged. Communicating proactively and clearly, among other areas of performance, is what sets the best employers apart from others. By giving employees a clear picture of what they can expect, employers can gain support and dedication in return. An engaged workforce is critical to weathering this storm,” says CRF International CEO Steven Veenendaal.

Partnered with CRF South Africa this year and endorsing the project are the Institute of People Management, the South African Insti- tute of Management, the Businesswomen’s Asso- ciation of South Africa, Afrikaanse Handels- instituut, University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business, HR Future, DMSA, and Business Report, the official media partner.

The overarching aim of Best Employers South Africa is to identify, accredit and laud South African companies with a demonstrable commitment to and record in talent management best practice on an annual basis.

According to CRF South Africa GM Samantha Crous, companies that participate in the annual accreditation project are what can be termed ‘intelligent employers’ owing to their active and passionate development of their employer brand, based on the scientific, comparative human resources (HR) best practice data the project provides them with – data that enhances the employment experience of current staff within accredited companies and is interpreted by CRF to accredit South Africa’s best employers each year.

The research process is segmented according to the following aspects: organisational strategy, the HR function, the leadership of the company, communication, diversity management, corporate social responsibility, knowledge management, talent management and employee engagement, employee training and development, performance management and rewards and recognition.