BMW initiated a major proactive campaign against HIV/Aids in 2000 with the launch of its HIV/Aids policy. The purpose of the campaign is to reduce the effect of the disease on employees, their families and the company.
The programme focuses on self-responsibility and taking ownership of the disease by knowing one’s status, and it is structured in such a way that employees, the community and the company benefit.
“The success of the BMW HIV/Aids programme is grounded in three important principles: a commitment to fight HIV/Aids; an effective testing programme; and the creation and maintenance of a culture of trust among employees,” said Jacqui Hocking, communications manager for BMW.
A multidisciplinary team with participation from human resources, union representatives, medical practitioners and management was appointed to drive the process under the chairmanship of a senior member of the board. A smaller working group has since been appointed to manage ongoing HIV/Aids initiatives and activities. The group has a dedicated internal budget for its projects and reports directly to the management board.
The company encourages all associates to undergo testing without fear of discrimination, and respects and maintains every employee’s right to privacy and confidentiality throughout the process. In 2003 BMW South Africa’s staff HIV-testing programme had a higher participation rate than any other similar programme in the world.
BMW has a medical centre on its premises in Rosslyn where workers not only receive free treatment for HIV/Aids related illnesses, but also for any other illness or condition they may have.
Nursing staff, a full-time doctor and a dedicated HIV/Aids champion were appointed to assist with the programme. In a wider roll-out of medical capabilities, the nursing staff at the on-site medical centres were extensively trained in treating sexually transmitted diseases, the management of tuberculosis, HIV/Aids counselling, testing and management, family and marital counselling, and wellness management.
The company encourages a healthy lifestyle and its medical centre includes a gym with its own biokinetic instructor, who works out programmes for employees who want to lose weight or exercise more regularly.
The philosophy at BMW is that investing in a worker’s health now constitutes a long-term investment that will pay dividends. The company also believes that HIV/Aids is an issue that is fundamental to the success of BMW. It is a business challenge, and all its managers work to that philosophy, Hocking explained.