No one can predict the future – that’s a fact. And it’s because of this that many aspects of our lives are at the mercy of various factors that are out of our control. Our jobs and, therefore, our livelihoods can also take a significant knock when businesses have to deal with restructuring or even closure as a result of an economic crisis. This is the point where employers have to consider retrenchments, which can have severe emotional and financial consequences for employees. Thankfully, there is certainty in the law, which protects the rights of those who are being retrenched. So, if you are someone who is

You’re a star employee who shines brightly in the company. You meet your deadlines, go above and beyond in your tasks, have good relationships with your colleagues and receive positive appraisals. There isn’t a box that you don’t tick. However, for you, something doesn’t quite add up. You stare at the amount on your payslip, and something doesn’t add up. For quite some time now, you’ve thought that the figure doesn’t accurately reflect the value you add to the organisation and the company growth you contribute to. This means it’s probably time for you to take some initiative and state

If you, like many, have included “be more fearless” on your list of goals and want to apply that mentality to landing your dream job, keep reading! Yes, job hunting is nerve-wracking, but persistence and commitment will pay off to land your dream position. If your CV ticks all the boxes, keep your phone glued to your pocket because you may be a suitable candidate and before long someone will call you to schedule a job interview. To make an impression on your potential employer and secure a job offer, you’ll have to prepare to confidently answer questions or navigate curveballs

The world is changing at a rapid pace can be a source of significant stress and anxiety for many people around the world. Locally, modern-day living (with all the technological advancements and the uncertainty that comes with that) is proving to have devastating effects on the mental health of South Africans, too. As many as one in six South Africans suffer from anxiety, depression or substance-use problems according to statistics released by the South African

There is no denying that an inclusive workplace is becoming more and more vital. Employees need to feel comfortable, acknowledged and protected in their place of work. Not to mention, it is also good for business, but that shouldn’t be the primary reason for embracing diversity in the office. Of course, a key expression of cultural heritage and individuality is language. But with English being the language that most business is conducted in South Africa, does this mean speaking the language can be enforced for non-business use? Let’s unpack language policies and workplace

Matric certificate? Check. University degree? Check. Full-time job? Pending. Yes, time flies when you are raising kids, and in a blink of an eye, your child has become a young adult. The job search starts and your budding graduate will get ready to carve their own lives, earn money and achieve a new level of independence. But, there is one thing standing in their way of getting a full-time job: most companies require previous experience. There is no denying that an internship can help shape your child’s career, but can also cause a lot of stress and setbacks.

You’d be forgiven if a scene from Law & Order flashed through your mind if you are asked to take a lie detector test in the workplace. All of a sudden, you are picturing yourself in a depressing, tiny room, hooked up to a machine that’s being monitored by an austere man who keeps looking up from his spectacles, which are perched on the tip of his nose. You are being interrogated like someone suspected of committing a serious crime. Ok, well that’s a little dramatic, but an employer asking an employee to

When it comes to suspension from work, employees need to know their rights, so that they can determine whether or not a suspension is unjust, and thus constitute an unfair labour practice. Business owners are not only tasked with making their companies a success, but also managing employees and ensuring that everyone’s conduct is in line with the brand values and principles. And when it comes to “disciplining” employees, so to speak, certain procedures must be followed to ensure it’s fair and legal. At some

Social media is an inescapable part of our personal and professional lives, with many people using various platforms to communicate and share information. But, as we have seen more and more over the last few years, employees need to be careful about what they post on social media, as offensive, inflammatory or discriminatory comments could potentially reflect badly on the company they work for (employers themselves could be held liable), breach employment social media policies and, in turn, get them fired. Of course, in general, it’s always advisable to