Standard Media Group human resources department has started receiving voluntary retirement applications from various departments.
Barely a week after the group CEO Sam Shollei offered staff to take voluntary retirement before the company trims its payroll exercise, a source at Standard Centre on Mombasa Road says nearly 10 people have already handed in requests to retire, while a good number of others are considering the option.
Employees have up to end of this month to apply for retirement. The company expects to reduce its staff component by up to 25% on recommendations of an audit by Deloitte.
One of the biggest takers of the retirement option is Ruth Lubembe, the Standard newspapers Associate Editor, Revise. Ms Luvembe informed her colleagues yesterday, June 30th, that she would be leaving the newsroom.
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“It has been two years of learning, growing and interacting with a diverse and exciting group,” she wrote in an email to newspaper staff. “Now it is time for me to move on and looking back, I can appreciate every single challenge and triumph because I know it has been preparation for whatever I will find ‘out there’. I wish those I am leaving behind the very best in your choices and endeavours.”
Ms Lubembe is a Standard veteran. She left for some time after a long stint and returned two years ago as revise editor. Her parting shot was loaded with advice for both staff and management. “Remember: As long as you are alive, you have a choice!,” she said.
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