The Beekman W.A.Y. programme has undeniably shaped the culture and success of the Beekman Group. The impact of this initiative is reflected in their most recent Annual Staff Culture Survey, which reported an impressive 95% employee satisfaction rate, which is evidence of the positive work environment the programme has developed. This commitment to an uplifting workplace has not only driven internal success but also earned the Beekman Group the prestigious 2024 Standard Bank KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Award for Employee Wellness. This internal success also directly reflects on guest satisfaction, with Beekman Resorts consistently maintaining guest satisfaction rates of over 80%. Furthermore, the Group’s emphasis on employee well-being has also been recognised by PMR.Africa with awards for outstanding managerial qualities and ethical business practices. In this piece, Beekman Group Executive, Fiona Broom explores how the Beekman W.A.Y. programme nurtures a culture of employee well-being, engagement, and satisfaction.
The Beekman Group has always been an employer of choice on the South Coast. In 2016, the Group took a deliberate step to create a unique, world-class culture with the launch of the Beekman W.A.Y. programme. At its core, this initiative is about much more than simply recognising employee contributions. It is a holistic approach to creating a work environment where every team member feels valued, engaged, and empowered to make a difference, with the ultimate goal of making Extraordinary Holidays THE Standard for our customers. Having been part of the engine room around conceptualising and rolling out this initiative, it has been immensely satisfying – albeit sometimes challenging – to see how we have successfully woven a healthy culture into the very fabric of our Beekman Group operations, demonstrating a genuine commitment to the well-being of our people.
Winning the 2024 Standard Bank KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Award for Employee Wellness is a powerful testament to our company’s commitment to its people. At the Beekman Group, prioritising employee well-being is not just the right thing to do, it’s the foundation of exceptional hospitality. When our staff feels valued, supported, and empowered, they naturally become better “hospitalitarians”, by creating memorable experiences for our guests. For the Beekman Group, wellness is not a buzzword, it is an integral part of the company’s DNA, setting the tone for how the business operates and thrives.
The Beekman W.A.Y. programme was developed around three guiding principles: Wow Our Customers, Always Evolving, and You Make the Difference. These pillars are designed to create a sense of purpose and ownership among our over 1,400 staff members, who are spread across Beekman’s head office and more than 30 resorts nationwide. It’s a culture built on clear values, open communication, and strong leadership that cultivates inclusivity, empowerment, and collaboration. It values diversity, recognises and appreciates contributions, supports work-life balance, and encourages continuous learning. By being adaptable and innovative, a great culture creates an environment where employees feel valued, engaged, and motivated to contribute to the organisation’s success. The Beekman W.A.Y culture does this in spades. It’s ultimately the north star of who we are being while we’re doing what we’re doing.
Since it began, the Beekman W.A.Y. has blossomed into a holistic programme that extends far beyond the usual employee wellness initiatives. Every year, we set aside a dedicated budget to support our staff’s well-being, offering a variety of activities, events, and traditions that nurture physical, mental, and emotional health. We’ve also created a network of Culture and Engagement Officers and Ambassadors, whose mission is to keep the spirit of the Beekman W.A.Y. alive and thriving, ensuring it remains a vibrant and central part of our workplace culture.
What truly sets the Beekman W.A.Y. apart is its ability to stimulate a genuine sense of community within our company and in the broader communities we serve. A carefully curated calendar of annual events that encourages participation in activities helps to celebrate important milestones and promotes team bonding and social responsibility. From beach clean-ups, blood donation, and SPCA drives to quarterly staff functions and festive year-end awards, all these events provide opportunities for our employees to connect in meaningful ways.
The programme also encourages all departments and resorts to develop their own Beekman W.A.Y action plans, ensuring that our company’s values and culture are lived out every day, at every level. Whether it’s celebrating birthdays and work anniversaries, hosting team-building games, or acknowledging the hard work of other colleagues, the programme empowers employees to take ownership of our workplace culture.
Beyond these cultural initiatives, the Beekman Group has implemented several wellness-driven initiatives designed to support the holistic well-being of our employees. Lunchtime exercise classes, a dedicated wellness menu at the on-site canteen, and biannual healthy eating drives are just a few examples of how the company promotes physical health. Financial wellness workshops are offered in partnership with local banks, while life skills workshops, ranging from self-defence lessons to practical tutorials on everyday tasks like changing a tyre help to empower employees beyond the workplace.
The company also recognises the importance of family well-being, offering after-care services to assist staff with school-going children, and providing confidential counselling sessions to support mental health. These diverse initiatives demonstrate Beekman Group’s commitment to supporting staff in every aspect of their lives, ensuring that wellness extends beyond our office walls.
As we look to the future, our commitment to wellness remains unwavering. The Beekman W.A.Y. continues to evolve, ensuring that employee well-being remains at the heart of what we do as an organisation. I feel that this steadfast dedication to our people, our communities, and our planet is what sets the Beekman Group apart. As the winner of the 2024 Standard Bank KwaZulu-Natal Top Business Award for Employee Wellness, it’s evident that the company is leading by example. By developing a culture of collaboration, empowerment, and inclusivity, the Beekman Group is not only driving organisational greatness but also ensuring individual fulfilment for every employee.