Key success factors

The experience of two decades of developing and implementing an HIV/AIDS programme has enabled Old Mutual (SA) to incorporate the following lessons into its practices:

• Top management support is critical. Roddy Sparks, Old Mutual (SA) managing director, personally endorses the Old Mutual HIV/AIDS workplace programme that is managed by the General Manager Human Resources.
   
• Coordination enables the company’s overall response to be efficient and maximised. The Corporate Affairs department coordinates the more specialised HIV/AIDS functions within the business – Old Mutual Healthcare, The Employee Wellbeing Programme (EWP) and the Old Mutual Foundation.
   
• It is vital to use multiple channels of communication with employees, including posters, meetings, presentations, roadshows, e-mails, and the company’s Intranet.
   
• It is important to adopt a holistic approach to the programme, which should include financial and social responsibilities as well as treatment.