eHealth Africa Named One of Nigeria’s Best Places to Work for the Third Consecutive Year

For the third year running, eHealth Africa (eHA) has been recognized as one of the best places to work in Nigeria. This certification, a result of the rigorous Best Places to Work assessment, underscores eHA’s commitment to creating an exceptional workplace environment. The assessment, renowned globally for capturing employee sentiments, highlights eHA’s status as an Employer of Choice, a testament to its dedication to its workforce.

At the heart of eHA’s success is a culture that champions excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. This culture is fostered through a range of employee engagement programs designed to empower and motivate staff. One such program is the Innovation Challenge, where employees are encouraged to form teams and develop innovative ideas. The most promising ideas receive sponsorship from eHA’s board, with funding of up to $10,000, driving both personal and organizational growth.

Complementing the Innovation Challenge is the Culture Club, a dedicated group within the organization that ensures employee voices are heard. Representatives from each department are members of the club and they gather feedback from their colleagues and present it to management. This continuous feedback ensures that employees are continually engaged and that their suggestions are implemented, reinforcing a culture of openness and responsiveness.

Additionally, the HR team collaborates with the Culture Club to organize various programs aimed at boosting morale and fostering team spirit. One of the standout events is the “Thank God It’s Friday” (TGIF) celebrations, where staff come together at the end of every month to unwind and recharge for the upcoming month. Such events, along with monthly recognition programs for high-performing employees, ensure that the eHA team feels valued and appreciated.

As a team, we’re constantly searching for innovative ways to keep our employees engaged. In fact, it’s one of the core responsibilities of the Human Resources team. We go beyond an open-door policy – we’ve eliminated the door altogether! We consistently reach out to our employees to understand their needs and well-being. This is because we recognize them as our greatest assets,” said Adesina Matti, Human Resources Manager at eHealth Africa.

The certification celebration, attended by representatives from the Best Places to Work organization, was a moment of pride for eHA. Dr. David Akpan, Deputy Director of Programs and Partnerships at eHA, spoke on behalf of the Executive Director, Atef Fawaz. “It is very exciting that we have continued to build the right work environment, earning us the Best Places to Work certification for the third time in a row. This achievement is a testament to the hard work of all our employees. I want to take this opportunity to let you know once again that you are all valued. Let’s continue to uphold our high standards and celebrate being one of the best places to work.”

To commemorate the achievement, Dr. Akpan announced that Friday, May 31st, 2024, would be a work-free day for all staff, giving everyone a chance to rest and recharge.

Peter Burg, President of Best Places to Work, also spoke at the celebration. “We survey over six thousand employers each year, and our research is teaching us that many more employers than ever before are focused on increasing employee engagement, which is so great to see. Even though many are getting better, only a select few would receive this kind of recognition, and that includes you, eHealth Africa. So, for that, I say congratulations.”

Hamza Ibiza, Global Program Director at Best Places to Work, provided an overview of the survey results that led to eHA’s recognition. The survey assessed eight key areas: leadership, corporate social responsibility, HR practices, compensation, benefits, teamwork and relationships, employee engagement, and workplace procedures. eHA’s high marks across these categories reflect its comprehensive approach to employee satisfaction and workplace excellence.

eHealth Africa, headquartered in Kano, Nigeria, is an international non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening health systems in Africa through data-driven solutions. By responding to local needs and providing underserved communities with the necessary tools, eHA aims to foster healthier lives through the integration of information, technology, and operations.

Inside eHealth Africa’s Vibrant ‘TGIF’ Tradition

By Favour Oriaku

Finding the harmony between professional obligations and personal well-being is not just a perk—it’s a necessity. Our commitment to fostering a nurturing work environment has birthed our beloved tradition: the “Thank God It’s Friday” (TGIF) activity. This vibrant, monthly gathering is not only a testament to our organizational culture but also a celebration of the diversity, unity, and spiritedness that define us.

Held on the last Friday of each month, our TGIF is a variety of activities designed to ignite joy, foster connections, and refresh our team. The event is a lively mix of indoor games—including chess, card games, ludo, and Wood Block Game—as well as outdoor activities with volleyball and table tennis. But the festivities don’t stop there; they sometimes reach a climax with karaoke sessions, where our staff showcase their vocal talents, followed by a feast of food and drinks, making it an absolute delight.

Why do we do this? At eHealth Africa, we believe that work-life balance is crucial for the mental health and overall productivity of our team. These activities provide an informal setting for staff to unwind, connect with each other outside of work protocols, and build a sense of family and togetherness. It’s a reminder that we’re not just colleagues—we’re a family.

Our staff’s reflections beautifully articulate the impact of these gatherings:

Deborah Solomon, a Senior Project Support Coordinator  from our Kano office, shares, “TGIF is the highlight of my month! The games, the singing, the laughter—it’s the perfect way to unwind. I feel deeply connected to my colleagues, and it’s wonderful to see everyone let their guard down and just have fun!”

Ibrahim Adepoju, who is part of our network administration team, adds, “The last Friday of the month is something I eagerly await. The activities help me de-stress, and I’ve discovered so many hidden talents among my colleagues! It’s a fantastic way to wrap up the month.”

From Abuja, Diligence Saviour Albert, a member of our business application team, remarks, “I’ve always believed in work-life balance, and the TGIF initiative reinforces that. From board games to karaoke, there’s something for everyone. It’s not just about relaxation; these moments enhance our teamwork and make us look forward to the challenges ahead.”

Similarly, Onyeka Onwuama, an associate project manager in our Borno office, reflects, “These gatherings are not just for fun; they’re essential to our well-being. Connecting with colleagues over a game of chess or a song builds a support system that transcends professional relationships. It’s refreshing and, honestly, a major morale booster.”

Our TGIF tradition is embedded in our core belief at eHealth Africa: we are as dedicated to our staff’s well-being as we are to the communities we serve. Creating spaces for our team to relax, connect, and recharge is not just about building a positive work culture; it’s a fundamental part of our success story. As we continue to strive for excellence in building a stronger health system in Africa, we remain equally committed to nurturing a work environment where staff are appreciated, celebrated, and cared for—ensuring that at eHealth Africa, every last Friday isn’t just the end of a month, but a celebration of the people who make our mission possible.