Our impacts Our people

Datatec employs over 8 000 employees across more than 60 countries. The Group strives to attract and retain employees of the highest calibre to uphold performance and build sustainability, and in parallel prioritises optimal working conditions and opportunities for development. The Group seeks to develop skills and talent inherent in its workforce.

The Group is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to a working environment that is free from discrimination in every region in which it operates. The divisions accord completely with this commitment. No incidents of discrimination were reported during the year. All reported incidents are investigated and if substantiated, a disciplinary enquiry will be convened, the outcome of which may lead to termination of employment.

Westcon

Westcon’s technological expertise, performance excellence and years of partner success are all attributable to a very down-to-earth conviction. It’s about hiring and developing the best people – dedicated individuals and teams with a strong understanding of their roles, responsibilities and contributions worldwide. The commitment to quality and value spans all operations – a driving force that combines unique skills in delivering, supporting and leading IT innovation.

Regional human resource executives take the helm in ensuring exceptional employee relations across all locations, in accordance with Westcon CEO, Dolph Westerbos’ global direction and strategy. In addition to adhering to the employment laws of each country of operation, Westcon maintains consistent and transparent diversity policies across all markets served.

High standards are upheld through steadfast practices that go beyond performance reviews and other human resources basics. Training makes a difference, keeping Westcon on the cutting edge at a time of unprecedented technological transformation. Corresponding programmes over the past two years include:

  • The “Westcon Way”, a management training programme that centres on coaching, mentoring and leading through adversity
  • New hire training, which encompasses an introduction to Westcon processes, procedures, messaging and value proposition
  • Anti-bribery and corruption training – provided to all employees
  • Conflict management, which guides leaders to effectively communicate and resolve problems in all situations while driving positive team mentality
  • Interview skills, including the “Dos and Don’ts” when interviewing position candidates
  • Vendor sales training and certification
  • First-time manager training
  • Skills in territorial account management, customer service, telephone and general communications
  • Sales effectiveness training.

The overarching commitment to excellence at Westcon also correlates to its mentor programme, currently offered to the top 20% of Westcon employees in terms of performance. These associates are matched with a senior leader in the business for a period of six months, giving participants a dynamic opportunity to develop identified skills. Certain regions also offer a “high-potential programme” internally. In addition, Westcon has established Westcon Academy, which offers various online development programmes to employees.

Logicalis

Logicalis recognises that its people are critical to the ongoing success of the business and, by striving to attract the best talent, develop and reward its people for great performance and engage effectively with them, Logicalis aims to optimise the performance of the business.

In Logicalis, the focus on advanced technologies requires a high level of technical expertise, and management works closely with its vendors to ensure that employees are trained appropriately and have the necessary accreditations. In the interests of the long-term sustainability of the business, Logicalis will be launching a group-wide leadership development programme in FY16, aimed at developing our senior leaders of the future.

Logicalis has a culture of meritocracy where great performance is rewarded. The majority of employees at Logicalis have performance objectives which are linked to the strategy of the local business. Talent and succession management reviews of the leadership team in each business are held annually, to focus on the retention of top talent and effective succession management.

Logicalis aims to be an employer of choice within the technology industry, attracting, developing and retaining the best talent. To assess what its employees think of the business, Logicalis conducted its first group-wide employee engagement survey in FY15, and is now acting upon the feedback from employees in each operation.

Human resource practices and policies ensure that all employees, wherever he/she works, whatever his/her role, are treated equally, fairly and respectfully at all times. Logicalis maintains consistent and transparent diversity policies across all its markets. All employees within Logicalis annually complete an online Code of Conduct training course to remind them of the importance of integrity to the success of the business.

Consulting Services

The companies within the Consulting Services division are equal opportunity employers, with policies in place to ensure that all employees and job applicants are treated fairly and equally regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, age, disability or union membership status. Consulting Services conducts an annual staff survey. The results of the survey for the year indicated that all employees consider the division to be upholding fair and equal treatment, that their opinions are respected and sought out and that diversity is encouraged.

At Analysys Mason and Mason Advisory, all employees receive regular performance and career development reviews. The companies have training frameworks for each grade. Individuals and their line managers agree, at the annual performance reviews, which training they will attend over the coming year. This training encompasses IT skills, personal development, project management and financial understanding. In addition, the companies provide financial assistance for training towards professional accreditations such as ACCA, CIPD, CFA and MBA.

Transformation

In line with South African legislation Datatec is required to comply with the Codes of Good Practice on BEE issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (“the Codes”), as well as the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (“BBBEE”) Act 53 of 2003. In terms of this the South African-based operations are required to comply with the Codes and are measured in terms of black participation on seven scorecard elements, namely: ownership, management control, employment equity, skills development, preferential procurement, enterprise development and socio-economic development.

Westcon Comztek (Pty) Ltd currently enjoys Level 4 BBBEE status, giving its customers 100% spend recognition on their respective scorecards. Annual BBBEE audits are performed by accredited BBBEE verification agents. Westcon Comztek (Pty) Ltd employed Empowerlogic (Pty) Ltd to perform the latest audit.