NMB Bank: Redefining workplace excellence through employee well-being

By a special correspondent

NMB Bank has not only made history but also set a new benchmark for workplace excellence by earning international certification as Tanzania’s most preferred employer from the Top Employers Institute, the global authority on human capital best practices.

This new milestone in the bank’s nearly 30-year journey of transformation reaffirms its commitment to fostering a dynamic and supportive workplace.

The monumental human capital development, has also secured NMB Bank a place on the prestigious 2025 list of the world’s top 2,400 organizations recognized for career growth and talent nurturing.

At the heart of this landmark achievement is NMB Bank’s unwavering dedication to employee engagement, health, happiness, and continuous workplace improvement - creating conducive working conditions where both staff and business thrive.

Top Employer Trophies at the Summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro

NMB Bank’s journey to becoming a Top Employer began with a strategic vision to prioritize its employees as the cornerstone of its success.

“Recognizing that a satisfied and motivated workforce is key to organizational excellence, we boast of a multi-faceted strategic programme to enhance the employee experience,” said Mr Joseph Ngalawa, Head of HR Shared Services, in an exclusive interview in Moshi last Saturday.

Speaking at the Mweka Gate, at the foot of Mt Kilimanjaro, Mr Ngalawa shared NMB Bank’s employee well-being success story after welcoming back a team of four employees who triumphantly carried two 2025 Global Top Employer for Tanzania certification trophies to the rooftop of Africa.

The seasoned HR strategist was joined in the vibrant celebration by over 100 NMB employees and senior executives, whom the bank sponsored this year to participate in the Kili Marathon challenge - an annual race that aligns with the bank’s commitment to employee wellness.

A Culture of Wellness: Beyond Physical Health

“NMB Bank’s employee well-being initiatives go beyond traditional wellness programmes,” Mr Ngalawa emphasized, highlighting the bank’s holistic approach to create a comprehensive support system for all employees.

A key example is the NMB Wellness Day, introduced during the inaugural NMB Interzonal Sports Competition last December in Mwanza.

This initiative not only promotes physical fitness and team-building but also provides mental and emotional health support as well as financial literacy sessions for empowering employees to manage their finances wisely and make informed investment decisions.

The Heroic Africa Rooftop Story in Spain

The four-day expedition to Africa’s highest peak began on Monday, February 17.

Applauding the four heroes of the Mt Kilimanjaro expedition, Mr Ngalawa emphasized that this monumental and symbolic achievement was more than a testament to resilience - it was a powerful reflection of NMB Bank’s firm commitment to staff unity, workplace excellence, and a shared vision for success.

“Moreover, this landmark accomplishment reinforces the bank’s leadership not only in financial performance and innovative service delivery but also in fostering a culture of teamwork that drives success beyond the workplace,” he remarked.

The CEO of the Top Employer Institute, Mr David Plink, was thrilled to learn about NMB Bank’s plans to symbolically elevate the Top Employer trophy to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Mr Plink expressed his excitement during the celebration dinner in Madrid, Spain, on February 13, where the 2025 Top Employer winners were honoured with the NMB team at the event led by Chief Human Resources Officer Emmanuel Akonaay.

Benefits of Investing in Workplace Excellence

During a briefing with Mr Plink, Mr Akonaay emphasized that the daring Mt Kilimanjaro expedition was for showcasing the bank’s excellence in human resources management while inspiring industry peers and other employers to prioritize investing in workplace excellence.

“Investing in human capital happiness and development yields significant returns,” Mr Akonaay stated in January while announcing the Top Employer certification in Dar es Salaam.

Among many other benefits, investing in wellness programmes:

1. Boosts Productivity:

• Healthy employees perform better and stay focused longer.

1. Reduces Costs:

• Well-being programmes can lower healthcare costs and prevent issues like workplace stress, which is costly to manage.

1. Enhances Brand Reputation:

• Organizations that care for their employees' well-being are perceived as ethical and progressive, attracting customers, investors, and talent.

1. Drives Innovation:

• A happy and healthy workforce fosters creativity and innovation, critical for staying ahead in highly competitive markets.

As NMB Bank continues to grow and innovate, its commitment to fostering a supportive and healthy work environment remains a core pillar of its business strategy.

CEO Ruth Zaipuna says that with employee wellbeing at the forefront, NMB Bank is not just investing in its people, it is investing in a sustainable and successful future for everyone.