PUNCH’s transformation journey earns HR industry recognition

PUNCH has earned industry recognition for its transformation journey focused on people, performance and organisational development. At the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management's (CIPM) 58th Annual International Conference in Abuja, the company won the 2026 HR Optimisation Award for Organisational Development and Change Management Initiative, Category B. The award, deemed the "HR Oscars," was presented on September 22, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.

The "Transforming PUNCH into a People-Centric, Performance-Driven and Digitally Enabled Workplace" initiative was launched in 2023 to improve employee experience, streamline processes and enhance efficiency. The program reviewed policies on training, grievances, conduct and recognition, improved performance discussions and learning opportunities, and transitioned routine communication and administrative tasks from paper to digital channels.

PUNCH reported significant improvements due to the initiative, including an 85% increase in participation in performance conversations and reviews, a 90% participation rate in learning initiatives, an 80% reduction in paper use, a 70% improvement in communication turnaround and an 80% reduction in administrative delays. These results underscore the importance of measuring the value and impact of people management initiatives, as emphasized by this year's CIPM conference theme, "Repositioning for Value and Impact."

The award is the latest stage in PUNCH's organizational transformation that has supported the company's expansion across print and digital platforms. Mrs Temitope Olusesan-Biala, PUNCH's Manager of Corporate Services and Human Capital Division, credited the award to the company's commitment to listening to its people, strengthening systems and enabling them to perform at their best.

Olufunke Ogunseinde, PUNCH's Head of Advertisement in Abuja, who accepted the award, described it as a source of pride, reflecting the company's core values of TRIBE - Truth, Reliability, Independence, Balance and Excellence.