By Kim Naidoo, HR Manager, Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric The role of Human Resources (HR) has certainly changed over the years. The advances in technology (AI) continues to evolve at a smashing pace reshaping and altering the way HR operates. Human Resources plays an all-important role in the organisation; enabling, engaging, and empowering the most valuable asset of any organisation: its employees. HR has without a doubt become a strategic partner to the organisation, driving environments that foster a high-performance culture, enabling both leaders and their team members to learn ..read more

by The Meetings Company founder Mark Kayser Drawing inspiration from thought leaders like Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, The Meetings Company integrates key insights into meeting behaviour to improve the way businesses approach collaboration. By blending behavioural science with cutting-edge technology, they offer an innovative meeting behavioural solution that addresses the root cause of inefficiency in meetings – group behavioural dynamics. Ray Dalio, the author of ‘Principles’, offers valuable insights into effective decision-making, transparency, and creating a culture of r ..read more

In the age of hybrid working, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Daily digital fatigue is a significant consequence. The days of bustling commutes and lively offices have been combined with screen-bound isolation, with far-reaching consequences. Prolonged screen time is causing eye strain, headaches, and an increased sense of physical and mental exhaustion. In this context, Sensory Intelligence® takes on a significant role, offering a revolutionary approach and solution. Understanding how our unique sensory responses and perceptions – based on sensory neuroscience – influence our digital exp ..read more

By Rhys Evans, Managing Director at ALCO-Safe Drug testing is a critical pillar of workplace safety and productivity. Among the various methods available, urine detection and saliva testing are two prevalent approaches, however, the central question that emerges in their application is their susceptibility to manipulation. Saliva testing is often favoured as being tamper resistant, while urine testing offers a longer detection window, making it suitable for detecting substance use over a longer period despite being vulnerable to interference. Each testing type has its advantages and disadvant ..read more

Almost every person who has ever worked with other people in a formal environment has faced so-called office politics. It’s part of the landscape and one well worth learning to navigate. However, once office politics cross over into workplace bullying, it becomes a tremendously complicated issue; and one which has soured the personal and professional lives of countless people. Unfortunately, instead of abating, workplace bullying has, in the digital age, expanded its footprint and ways in which it can manifest, a labour and education expert says. “In the digital era, workplace bullying has ev ..read more

Corporate Social Investment is an integral part of modern business but choosing the right beneficiaries is crucial. Fundraising experts weigh in Corporate social investment has undergone considerable change since it was first introduced in the 1950s. Where before CSI projects were viewed as being largely reactive and sporadic, they are now an integral part of company operations aimed at benefitting both the business and community in which it is based. As an indication of its growth, in 1998 total estimated nominal CSI spend in South Africa sat at R10.5 billion but swelled to t R11.8-billion a ..read more

Because their parents are in such financial straits, hundreds of children are showing up to school weary, undernourished, and in horrible clothing. Starving students snatching food from their peers while wearing threadbare clothing and worn-out shoes may sound like a scenario from a horror movie, but this is a fact and is still a sad reality in the twenty-first century. There is a rise in the number of students who arrive at school without eating breakfast or the night before. Some youngsters are so hungry that they have to take food from other individuals. Some children even steal more ..read more

Returning to the office after the holidays need not be an exercise in despair. While few of us will be unfamiliar with the feeling of having to get back into work mode after the holidays – a feeling the Urban Dictionary calls ‘after holiday syndrome’ – getting in the right headspace can make a huge difference, a leadership expert says. “Starting out motivated and on a high and harnessing the energy from the holidays to take it into the new year will make a huge difference to your mental well-being and performance,” says Dr Linda Meyer, MD at The Independent Institute of Education’s Rosebank C ..read more

On 20 November 2023, in celebration of World Children’s Day, and as part of the SUCCEED partnership between HOPE worldwide South Africa and Massmart, the team from the brand-new Builders Express store in River Square, Three Rivers,  joined forces with the staff of HOPE worldwide SA. Together, they added vibrant and adorable children’s drawings to the freshly renovated Lehlohonolo Day Care centre in Tshepiso, Vereeniging. Additionally, through the partnership, the centre benefitted from repainting and repairing as well as installation of ceilings in five classrooms, the office, storeroom ..read more

By Rhys Evans, Managing Director at ALCO-Safe With the South African eCommerce market projected to experience a remarkable 17.9% increase in 2023, contributing to a global growth rate of 17%, the demand for efficient delivery services has surged to meet this expanding sector. Although ‘click and collect’ options offer convenience, courier companies are still the preferred method of fulfilling eCommerce orders in South Africa. It would be safe to estimate that there are roughly 50,000 additional drivers (both bike and motor vehicle) transporting deliveries daily across South Africa. Given tha ..read more