Woolworths has announced a first-of-its-kind benefits package designed to change the lives of thousands of its employees.

In addition to the range of benefits already available to them, as of July this year, over 24 000 Woolworths employees have access to health insurance for the first time. The company is the first in the retail sector to step forward with a tailor-made, comprehensive benefits offering of this scale.

Thousands of Woolworths frontline employees in the retailer’s stores and distribution centres now have access to private, day-to-day medical care, including general practitioners, dentists, optometrists, and acute and chronic medication. In addition, the company has brought together healthcare and wellness support in a more integrated and accessible way which will be facilitated through the Momentum Health4Me Gold programme. The offering also brings together healthcare, risk cover, and wellness support into an integrated, digital platform which is designed to provide meaningful support, and peace of mind for its people.

Momentum, Woolworths’ partner in the initiative, applauded the programme. “This initiative is true game changer for the industry. This partnership exemplifies Woolworths’ commitment to making a real difference in the lives of South Africans by providing access to affordable, quality healthcare services, death, disability, and funeral benefits,” said Rigitte van Zyl the Executive for Group Insurance and Damian McHugh the Head of Marketing and Growth at Momentum.

“This has been two years in the making, shaped by care, collaboration, and deep listening,” says Melanie Naidu, Woolworths Group People Director. “It’s more than just a benefit, it’s a reflection of our promise to invest in our people’s wellbeing, dignity, and quality of life.”

“Our people are the heart of everything we do, and the reason we consistently deliver the Woolies difference for our customers. This investment is a reflection of our deeply held belief that caring for our people is fundamental to the long-term sustainability of our business.”

This latest milestone builds on Woolworths’ Just Wage Initiative – a R120 million investment that increased the pay of frontline employees, and is part of the Group’s long-term commitment to social justice through its Inclusive Justice Initiative. It reflects a broader ambition to enable what Woolworths calls a Just Life, where the organisation’s employees not only have access to a just wage, but also to essential benefits, and the dignity of living and working with purpose and support. Today, the Woolworths minimum hourly rate of R45 is 20% above the retail sector legislated minimum and more than 56% higher than the national minimum wage.

Naidu noted that Woolworths’ continued investment in its people has been recognised by the Top Employers Institute, an international authority that acknowledges excellence in people practices. “As a business, we are committed to creating experiences that inspire, and that begins with how we show up for our people. This moment is not just a milestone – it’s a reflection of who we are and the future we’re building together.”

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