Tag: flexible working

The South African government has concluded its 2025 budget deliberations. It announced a Value Added Tax (VAT) increase of 0.5% from May 2025. It also announced a possible further 0.5% hike by April 2026. These increases are part of measures to address the growing budget deficit.

Free food and drinks on a Friday once worked as attractive company perks. However, things have changed dramatically. Today, top talent expects more from employers. They want a competitive salary and stand-out benefits that offer real value.

Leadership adaptation amid disruption is essential as organisations navigate rapid changes in technology, workplace dynamics and global challenges. The past few years have been among the most challenging in recent history.

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.

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.

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology continues to evolve globally, its integration into the South African business landscape is becoming increasingly prominent. Companies across various sectors are leveraging AI to drive efficiencies, optimise operations, and create new revenue streams.

As we celebrate Women’s Month in South Africa, this is a time to reflect on the pivotal role male allies can play in amplifying women’s voices in the workplace, particularly in leadership roles.

The workplace is one of the most important social resources in a typical adult’s life but more meetings, faceless chats and fewer work friends is fuelling an epidemic of loneliness. Right now, people are experiencing a surge in loneliness so profound that the American Surgeon General has characterised it as an epidemic. Some believe remote and flexible work is at fault, fraying our social ties by removing incidental interactions from our daily lives but the data tells a different story.

What exactly makes a business a great place to work? Some might say it’s the pay, the beautiful offices, or the generous perks. While all these things do play a role, a business’ true attractiveness lies firmly rooted in the work environment that it fosters.

The uniquely challenging global events of the past few years have underscored the critical importance of people management for companies. Disruptions, including the pandemic and its aftermath, forced organisations to clearly define priorities and quickly build up specific capabilities in employee health and safety and more flexible working models.