Human Capital

The Harvard Business Review describes the secret of corporate success as "human magic". Unlocking employee potential is a culture where people thrive. This culture allows ambitions, passions and commitments to translate into productivity, results and shared growth.

Empathy is a key differentiator in creating exceptional customer experiences. In an increasingly tech-driven business world, it stands out. Labelled a ‘soft skill,’ it is a complex trait to develop. This development requires self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and ongoing effort.

Conversations about the war for talent in financial services have persisted for many years. Competition to attract skilled individuals has always been intense, with high demand for talented professionals. This competition has intensified recently as hiring activity accelerates to meet today's significant challenges.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising industries across the world. In doing so, the role of the data specialist within organisations is changing. The use of AI in data-driven roles is accelerating. These professionals must enhance their skill sets to stay relevant.

Employers and managers have the prerogative to set workplace rules and standards, including performance standards. Oftentimes, managers come across as being harsh, bullish, dismissive, or overly critical when attempting to enforce certain workplace standards.

As the year wraps up, many companies start to slow down, with some even opting for a 'soft closure' so employees can take leave during the festive season. While the focus might be on finishing year-end tasks, this is actually a great time to think about your recruitment needs.

The Change. The Transition. The Great Climacteric. The M-word. Menopause, when ovaries stop producing eggs and women no longer have periods. Approximately 75% of women will experience symptoms that accompany the drop in oestrogen that comes with menopause. And when we do, it can get expensive to manage.

In an era where the corporate landscape often champions extroversion, it's time to recognise the unique and invaluable contributions introverts bring to the workplace.  Recent insights from various studies, expert analyses, and workplace trends highlight how introverts excel in corporate life, leveraging their inherent strengths to drive success. 

Workplace bullying transcends mere professional misconduct; it is a violation of human rights that undermines employee dignity and wellbeing. Bullying manifests in various forms - verbal, emotional, psychological and even through passive-aggressive behaviours such as exclusion and gossip. In South Africa, the implications of workplace bullying extend beyond moral concerns, as it infringes on constitutional rights.

In South Africa's shifting labour landscape, union representation is being tested and pushed to new limits. The case of AFGRI Animal Feeds (A Division of PhilAfrica Foods (Pty) Limited) v National Union of Metalworkers South Africa (NUMSA) and Others (CCT 188/22) [2024] ZACC 13 has sparked a significant debate challenging the traditional scope of union activities and raising critical questions about legal jurisdiction and worker representation. This case serves as a pivotal moment in understanding the complexities of union eligibility across diverse industries.