South Africa’s GDP per hour worked lags leading economies, but organisations can narrow the gap without waiting for macro reforms. This article explains what productivity is, why it matters, where South Africa sits globally, and the most effective workplace levers: digital tools and infrastructure, job and process redesign, targeted skills development, fair performance management, and trust-building leadership.

Advance your HR career with the Advanced Occupational Certificate: HRM Officer (NQF 6). This qualification equips HR professionals to move from admin and transactional tasks into true strategic partnership. Blend knowledge, practical skills, and workplace application to manage talent, design organisations, support employment relations, and align people strategy with business goals in a fast-changing, digitally enabled workplace.

The Labour Appeal Court overturned a ruling that an ethical hacker at Sanlam was constructively dismissed, finding he resigned voluntarily and had not proven intolerable working conditions. Mental-health arguments raised only at review were rejected, with the Court confirming that incapacity and constructive dismissal must not be conflated. The CCMA’s original finding was restored, offering clarity on mental-health claims in dismissal disputes.

Job hugging—the tendency for employees to cling to their jobs despite dissatisfaction—is rising in South Africa amid economic uncertainty and limited job mobility. High unemployment and fears of retrenchment drive this behaviour, reducing innovation and engagement. Employers can counteract job hugging by promoting growth, transparent communication, and career development to restore trust and productivity while building a resilient workforce.

Swearing at a boss may feel impulsive, but in South African labour law, emotional outbursts seldom excuse misconduct. The Labour Relations Act recognises verbal abuse toward senior leaders as gross misconduct and insubordination. Dismissal can be fair if trust breaks down and procedures are followed. While stress or provocation may mitigate, the law prioritises respect, discipline, and procedural fairness over emotional impulse.

Mental health in South African workplaces demands urgent attention. Post-COVID, anxiety, burnout, and depression have surged. Employers must move beyond compliance with the OHSA, EEA, BCEA, and COIDA to create safe, compassionate environments. From men’s mental health awareness to practical actions like EAPs, flexible work, and empathetic leadership, it’s time to normalise help-seeking and make mental wellbeing a daily workplace priority.

South Africa’s 2025 labour law landscape brings faster legal changes and stricter compliance demands. From new case law on dismissal and strikes to evolving Employment Equity reporting, pay transparency, and policy implementation standards, employers face higher stakes than ever. The Annual Labour Law Update 2025 helps HR, IR, and executives navigate these shifts with practical toolkits, curated case digests, and nationwide sessions to future-proof workplace policies and redu

Protect your brand: SA employers need clear social media policies, training & compliance to manage risks in today’s digital workplace.

Human-in-the-Loop AI safeguards fairness in SA workplaces—ensuring ethical recruitment, EE compliance, and dignity in sensitive decisions.

Women SDFs are reshaping SA workplaces, driving skills, equity, and innovation to build inclusive, future-ready organisations.

Language bias labels women “bossy” not leaders. SA workplaces must shift words, audits, and training to empower women’s leadership.

Women in South Africa’s lobbying and advisory roles are shaping inclusive policies, driving growth, and strengthening democratic governance.

Professional growth is no longer linear. In today’s fast-changing workplace, experience must merge with innovation. Younger colleagues bring fresh perspectives, digital fluency, and adaptability, while seasoned professionals offer wisdom, context, and stability. By embracing cross-generational learning, reverse mentoring, and continuous growth, leaders can turn uncertainty into opportunity. This Women’s Day, let’s redefine expertise as humility, openness, and collaboration ac

Resilience and reinvention define a journey of purpose, courage, and transformation. From voluntary retrenchment to entrepreneurship, academic setbacks, and personal trials, each challenge became a stepping stone toward growth. Completing an LLB degree in 2024 and joining Global Business Solutions in 2025 reflect perseverance and purpose-driven reinvention. This Women’s Month, we honour the resilience of women whose stories of strength, adaptation, and community inspire futur

Emoji misuse at work is a growing legal risk in South Africa—avoid fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage with a solid emoji policy.

Navigate mental health-related incapacity dismissals legally and compassionately. Key questions, risks, and employer obligations explained.

Authentic storytelling turns dry legal lessons into lasting insights—experience the power of narrative at our Labour Law Update in Cape Town.

Strengths-based career paths empower employees and drive B-BBEE success by aligning talent with long-term business growth.

Business psychology boosts performance by using EQ and leadership tools to build resilient, inclusive, and high-performing teams.

Introverts can build meaningful work relationships by listening for connection before focusing on tasks—no traditional networking needed.