Mthombo IT Services (M-IT), a Compaq ASP and HP`s sole on-site service provider, has found that staff motivation is a simple function of training, cash payments and entrusting employees to make decisions.
M-IT has spent in excess of half a million Rand on staff training during the 2001 calendar year. In their relatively small environment of 50 employees they now boast 21 Compaq accredited ACTs and a similar number of Hewlett Packard certified engineers. Most of their engineers are cross-trained and were also sent on NT, Win2000 and Linux training.
The high training statistics are even more astounding when one considers that their PDI quotient is 74%. This BEE company is fully committed to developing quality skills and their career development program and training budget for 2002 is in excess of R750k.
Their nationwide infrastructure and the high number of certified technicians makes M-IT a strong competitor in the hardware maintenance arena. They have signed numerous contracts including ones with the "Big 5" in the government and para-statal sectors.
The Company`s flat management culture and "open door" policy also encourage a bottom-up approach. People are seen as a family and everyone`s contributions are considered.
Performance-based bonuses add to the individual and team competition. This fact alone directly contributes to increased service levels. The Company believes that their highly motivated and well-remunerated employees yield increased customer satisfaction and will help them maintain long-term relationships with their clients.
Their Employee Share Option Program (ESOP) is now being finalised and will result in all employees owning 10% of the share capital in M-IT.
More than just working hard the team also take time to play. Last year they participated in a number of social and team events including soccer matches against other organisations and team building weekends. M-IT staff also attended international sporting events with clients and took part in social responsibility programs such as painting classroom at Thabang primary school in Soweto.
M-IT`s highly incentivised delivery team will surely continue to be a dependable competitor in SA`s highly contested IT service market.
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