Better HR is good for business: Is your goal to be a Human Resource (HR) manager running some of the slickest teams in South Africa? Then this post is just for you!

The Human Resource (HR) role is often seen as an administrative one rather than one that contributes to the bottom and that is why we far rather prefer the term “Human Capital Executive” as it implies that you are developing assets that will contribute to the overall success of the business.

To that end, we have identified 3 great talks which will help you be a better Human Resource or Human Capital executive in your business.

1. Do better HR by getting the future of work right

The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally changed the way of work for many businesses. Recently AirBnb CEO Brian Chesky announced that staff would be able to work remotely from anywhere in the world without a fear of loss of pay.

He told shareholders and other stakeholders:

“We also had the most productive two-year period in our company’s history — all while working remotely.”

While not all businesses are built the same as AirBnb this highlights how the world of work is changing and you as an HR Manager or Human Capital executive have both challenges and opportunities to develop your team. On one hand, you have lost the ability to physical see and interact with your staff on a daily basis, on the other you are now able to recruit from anywhere in the world.

If this is something you are considering, this next talk is for you:

Work that’s dictated by a fixed schedule, place and job description doesn’t make sense anymore, says leadership expert Debbie Lovich. In light of the cultural shift towards remote work sparked by the pandemic, Lovich gives three essential tips to leaders so employees can keep their autonomy (while remaining productive), companies can let go of rigid bureaucracy and we can all reshape work to better fit our lives.

3 tips for leaders to get the future of work right

2. Better HR and Human Capital Development by reducing meeting overload

While technology like Microsoft Teams and Zoom have made it easier to conduct virtual meetings, it says something when Microsoft’s own research says that back-to-back virtual meetings are not healthy for the brain.

Ever heard of the concept of “Calendar Creep”? It’s happening all around us and creating a distracted and unproductive workforce.

The phenomenon of “calendar creep,” where meetings completely take over your work days, is wasting time, energy and productivity — but you can take back control. Leadership expert Cindy Solomon shares her five tips for clearing up your schedule and getting your calendar to work for you, not against you.

Better HR is done when you have honest conversations

If your view is that your staff are your greatest asset and you want to see them contributing to the bottom line, you have to be able to encourage an environment where feedback is appreciated rather than seen as criticism.

Encouraging open and transparent conversations is an important part of this function.

Leadership and organization coach Betsy Kauffman shows how to bring the candid conversations that usually happen at the watercooler out into the open with four practical strategies you can implement right now to have honest, transparent discussions with your colleagues.

Better HR management through investing in your team

The world of work has materially changed for Human Resource and Human Capital executives. There is fierce competition for skills, particularly as the economy begins to grow again.

If you would like to work with us to development Corporate Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to building the team of the future.