Tag: Nicol Myburgh

Waiting until you’re on the wrong side of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) before taking action is a risk no business can afford. Beyond the threat of hefty fines or legal consequences, there is also the potential for serious reputational damage. Rebuilding trust after a breach is often far harder than paying a fine.

The new employment equity regulations have ushered in a new era of transformation and accountability for South African businesses. These regulations officially came into effect on 15 April 2025. Employment equity plans must now cover the period from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2030.

Much has been written about the digital skills shortage. This is not a problem that will be solved overnight. As technology evolves, the demand for specific skills outpaces their availability. And as more people gain these sought-after competencies, there may be a temporary oversaturation of the market. Once parity is reached, new advancements shift the landscape again, and so the cycle continues.

Local businesses that have transitioned to hybrid work programmes are well aware of the potential productivity gains to be had when employees have the flexibility to work from anywhere. Of course, the journey from a traditional office setup to a complete remote model during the pandemic was the catalyst for this model.

It’s the law. If you are absent from work for more than two consecutive days, or more than twice within eight weeks, you have to provide a doctor’s note to your employer, according to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA).

There’s no denying that technology has indelibly transformed the modern workplace, especially following the onset of the global pandemic. Streamlined processes, enhanced communication and boosted productivity are just some of the benefits businesses have eagerly embraced in the digital era. These benefits come at a price.

You’ve just received your dream job offer, but there’s a catch. You need to start the new job in a month’s time, but your current employer requires you to give three months’ notice.

Artificial intelligence (AI) provides a service to HR, but shouldn’t replace people as a way of handling human resources within the business. AI has dominated business conversations in 2023 – the dangers of using a generative AI such as ChatGPT when it comes to content and communication, the dangers of artificial generative intelligence (AGI) within society and, of course, the use of AI across multiple touchpoints within the business itself.

A new workplace trend has emerged, called loud labourers, which will only add pressure to the lives of already stressed business managers. In keeping with our mandate to help businesses manage numerous labour-related challenges, from legislation to post-COVID-19 trends such as quiet quitters, we are drawing attention to loud labourers – a term used to describe workers who ‘talk the talk, but barely walk the walk’.

Breast milk has long been acknowledged as nature’s perfect food for infants. Its unique properties continue to benefit children long after their mothers have stopped breastfeeding. For working women, breastfeeding is easy and convenient to do while they are on maternity leave, but it becomes significantly more challenging when they return to work.