Author: Editor
Whereas I am not a Corona Virus expert, I have been a hypochondriac for some years. I am also am a radio talk show host, author and a social commentator, which perhaps qualifies me in some way to speak of social impact of this illness, There have been some pivotal moments in my lifetime: The falling of the Berlin wall, 9/11 and now Covid19 All of these events changed the world. In each case the world before and after looked different. Prior to the Corona Virus, our lives and our planet had begun to spin faster and faster. Smartphones, social…
I am perplexed as to why it should matter how the meeting between the ANC’s top 6 and former president Jacob Zuma went. They met him, apparently in an attempt to persuade him to comply with a court ruling and appear before the Zondo Commission of Enquiry. And they updated the country as if we should care. We should not. Whereas it might be very nice for them that the discussion was constructive and positive and that a good time was had by all, the truth is that it is not relevant in any material way. The situation could hardly…
The insurance market is fraught with challenges, brought on by digital disruption, climate change, and demographic transformations. To navigate securely across the sector’s shifting waters, industry leaders like Sasria SOC need a clear line of sight into its data and processes. In the move to streamline operations, gain business insight, and empower the workforce, the company partnered with DAC Systems and went live with Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP deployment. By simplifying customer engagements and reducing manual tasks, the solution freed up Sasria’s teams to perform more value-added work. “Our transformation started in 2017, when we developed a strategic technology plan…
Employment contracts always include a notice period should an individual decide to resign. Typically, South African workers must give a calendar months’ notice when they decide to part ways with their employer, but what happens in the case of resignation with immediate effect, especially when there are pending disciplinary actions? Nicol Myburgh, Head of the HR Business Unit at CRS Technologies, navigates the complexities in this regard. “According to contract law, an employee’s contract of employment only comes to an end once the resignation takes effect at the end of the notice period,” he explains. “This means that resigning with…
Processing your company’s payroll should be a breeze, but if your payroll department is living from one crisis to the next, chances are good you’ve either outgrown your HR and payroll software, your solution provider, or both, says Ian McAlister, General Manager of CRS Technologies. “The workplace is constantly evolving and HR and payroll systems, together with the vendors who provide them, need to be flexible enough to keep pace with these changes. “Unfortunately, however, many solutions are presented as current but are characterised by outdated, legacy technologies that fall short of the modern capabilities needed to meet changing business…
You have now been tasked with navigating a new world: working from home. This may sound great until you are charged with being the home-school teacher; your dog decides your new life purpose is playing fetch with him or her; you realise that your significant other is the loudest eater ever to have walked the earth; and you have to manage all forms of other new and unexpected interruptions – all while doing your job and keeping your customer happy! Fear not. After extensive research, we have gathered the top tips to help you survive Planet Home: Set working hoursSetting…
Last month, dormakaba South Africa hosted a Webinar with six-time South African cross country marathon champion and team dormakaba cyclist Robyn de Groot during which she talked about the impact the hard lockdown had on her approach to training, her experiences at the World Championships in Turkey at the end of last year, and her thoughts about racing in the new normal. Acclaimed radio sports presenter, Jeff Ayliffe, helped guide the conversation to provide viewers with a fascinating behind-the-scenes peak into the mind of one of South Africa’s top elite professional female cyclists. “The hard lockdown affected every person in…
Drunk at 12pm? Thinking of a quick glass at 1? It can be a fireable offence… Working from home has become a normal part of business life, a part that is unlikely to come to a crashing halt any time soon. Within this new normal are casual clothes, comfortable working conditions, as well as less time spent in cars and chatting around the water cooler. These changes are immensely valuable to both employer and employee – boosting morale, productivity and work/life balance. However, there are also risks to this new found freedom, one of which is that an employee could…
The COVID-19 pandemic is having an unprecedented impact on the global economy and supply chains across the world are feeling the pinch. According to Databuild CEO Morag Evans, this presents an ideal opportunity for South African companies to support local manufacturers. As more countries go into lockdown, world leaders and health care workers across the globe are working non-stop to contain the spread of infection and put an end to the pandemic as speedily as possible. Deloitte is predicting that the slowdown in economic activity – including transport restrictions – in countries affected with the Coronavirus, will have a detrimental…
The year 2020 will undoubtedly go down in history as one of unprecedented global lockdowns, followed by a radically transformed business landscape – all brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. In South Africa, the pandemic exacted a heavy toll on the construction industry, leading to severe financial hardship and even closure for many companies. Those businesses that survived were forced to drastically change the way they operate in order to overcome the devastating effects of a stringent five-week lockdown. But, says Databuild CEO Morag Evans, if there is one lesson to be learned from the events of 2020, it is…