Managing HIV in the workplace: learning from SMEs

Awards for excellent performance in mitigating the impact of HIV/AIDS on the workplace are often handed out to large, well-resourced companies in South Africa. On the other hand, small- and medium-sized companies are often castigated for their relatively poor performance and capacity in such efforts. This study provides an in-depth analysis of the opportunities and constraints faced by six small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in managing the burden of HIV/AIDS within their companies. It focuses on the complexity of HIV risk dynamics, as well as the challenges of implementing effective HIV/AIDS intervention programmes, and highlights achievements despite resource constraints. Through qualitative research techniques, the study reflects not only the views and opinions of management, but also the experiences of ordinary employees as participants in HIV/AIDS interventions. The report will be especially useful to company HIV/ AIDS programme coordinators, who are often expected to implement what is regarded as HIV/AIDS 'best practice', even though these are often not part of standard business practice.