While no significant changes in all kinds of jobs – formal, informal, permanent and temporary – were seen during October, South Africa’s labour productivity fell to its lowest level in 40 years.

Adcorp’s monthly Employment Index for October 2011, released in Johannesburg this morning, reveals that throughout 2011 labour productivity growth has been negative, with an all time low reached last month.
Labour productivity is a leading indicator of job creation.

Meanwhile, this month’s Index also shows that employment dropped slightly in the mining (-7.8%), construction (-7.0%) and manufacturing (-4.5%) sectors on an annualized basis. Adcorp labour market analyst Loane Sharp says these losses were offset by job increases in wholesale and retail trade (+4.4%) and financial services (+3.0%). (more…)

Business has changed – it started with the ‘war for talent’, and continued with the ongoing skills shortage and our younger generations’ new expectations. So as leaders we need to involve ourselves continuously in creating a company culture in which our people are happy and want to stay with us.

People who are happy at work are naturally more productive, which impacts positively on individual and company success.

I am a firm believer in a happy culture, and I have seen five main drivers, both at DAV and at many of our client companies:

1. Contribution

All people have a desire to know they contribute to their colleagues and leaders as well as to their company’s success. Let’s communicate on an ongoing basis about how our people contribute to larger company goals. When people see that what they do makes a difference, and that their views and opinions matter, they feel valued and appreciated. At DAV,
we create an environment where we consistently appreciate what our people bring to the table.

2. Conviction

When people keep going even when things get tough they develop a sense of resilience, efficiency and effectiveness. It’s challenging, however, to stay motivated which is how we can help: Let’s keep reminding our people of the ultimate goal and looking for different ways to motivate them. When we can convince people of the value of staying strong, believing in themselves (and their company) and working towards victory, their level of pride and resilience is amazing.

In 37 years DAV has seen difficult times and recessions. I believe what made the difference every time was our conviction we would not only get through it, but emerge better people and better professionals. (more…)