Kenya ranks low in productivity

Kenya, a country known for its vibrant culture and bustling economy, is facing a productivity challenge. In a recent study conducted in 2015, it was revealed that a staggering 71% of Kenyan employees were dissatisfied with their jobs. The study sought to uncover the underlying reasons for this discontent and one of the key findings was the lack of appropriate benefits for employees. Benefits play a crucial role in employee satisfaction and retention, and one of the most basic benefits that employees value is daily meals. This seemingly simple gesture of providing daily food can have a significant impact on an employee's well-being and productivity. The study highlighted the importance of daily meals in employee satisfaction and engagement. Unlike long-term benefits such as pensions, which employees may not see the immediate value of, providing daily meals ensures that employees feel connected to the company on a daily basis. This constant engagement can foster a sense of belonging and loyalty among employees, ultimately leading to improved performance and productivity. The study also shed light on the challenges faced by employees in manufacturing companies in Kenya. Many factory workers often sacrifice their lunch breaks in order to save money, resulting in reduced calorie intake and ultimately affecting their performance. A typical factory worker needs 2000 to 2300 calories per day to perform optimally, and skipping meals can significantly impact their productivity. By providing daily meals to factory workers, companies can ensure that their employees are adequately nourished and able to meet their daily energy requirements. Sadek, a global company operating in 80 countries, has seen firsthand the positive impact of providing daily meals to employees. Across various regions in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, Sadek has witnessed an increase in productivity when employees are provided with daily meals. In countries like Brazil, where it is mandatory for companies with more than 10 employees to provide daily meals, there has been a noticeable boost in GDP growth. This direct correlation between employee benefits and economic growth highlights the importance of prioritizing employee well-being in driving overall productivity. In Kenya, there are ongoing discussions about the implementation of policies to support employee benefits such as daily meals. While there are existing challenges such as the proposed 4000 shilling tax deduction for daily meals, there is a growing recognition of the need to prioritize employee well-being for long-term economic growth. The Ministry of Labor, alongside unions and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is exploring ways to support companies in enhancing employee benefits to drive productivity and contribute to Kenya's economic goals. As Kenya aims to increase the contribution of the industry sector to 15% of the total GDP, there is a clear imperative to improve productivity in the workforce. By prioritizing employee benefits such as daily meals, companies can create a more engaged and motivated workforce, leading to enhanced performance and economic growth. The path to a more productive Kenya lies in recognizing the value of investing in employee well-being and fostering a culture of support and engagement in the workplace.