2023 HR PRIORITIES UNLEASH YOUR BOLD J

According to Mercer’s 2023 Global Talent Trends Pulse survey, African HR leaders perceive enabling new ways of working (remote, hybrid, gig) as one of the most critical aspects for success in 2023 to energise employee work experience and secure talent.

However, only 26 percent of organisations are increasing transparency on which jobs suit different work/ flex arrangements and only 34 percent are setting new work guidelines to improve collaboration effectiveness.

As organisations transition to new work models, a conducive environment is critical in shifting mindsets. Therefore, it is encouraging that there is a focus on company culture development as organisations adapt to new ways of working, with 77 percent investing in building a culture where employees feel comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work.

The study also revealed that impacting total wellbeing outcomes is another of five critical areas for success in 2023, with 47 percent of organisations redesigning work with wellbeing in mind, e.g., no-meeting days, realistic workloads, a culture of trust, a positive work environment, etc.

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) is another area highlighted as most critical for success, with 57 percent of organisations saying they take action to ensure their workforce profile reflects the market(s) in which they operate. Organisations (45 percent)

Societal

Source: Marsh & McLennan 2023 Global Risks Report

Nigeria South Africa

Terrorist attacks

Debt crisis

Cost of living

Severe commodity supply crises

Employment and livelihood crises

Rapid and/or sustained inflation

Geopolitical Economic Environmental

Source: Marsh & McLennan 2023 Global Risks Report that are serious about DE&I are training managers on how to build inclusive and equitable team arrangements.

However, despite diverse workforces, only 37 percent of organisations plan to expand their benefits to be more inclusive of all workforce segments. Completing the list of five, organisations highlighted enabling a skills-based organisation as most critical for success in 2023.

2023 HR priorities

• Embracing a skills-based transformational people strategy: With the cost of living and economic downturn top of mind for business executives, it is unsurprising that HR leaders are focusing on HR priorities that add business value

State collapse

Debt crisis

Cost of living

Collapse or lack of social services and public infrastructure

Employment and livelihood crises

– balancing spend while securing talent.

Mercer’s 2023 Global Talent Trends Pulse survey revealed that African HR leaders are prioritising skills, improving strategic workforce planning, investing in up/reskilling and designing talent processes around skills.

• Culture of care: Employee wellbeing remains a top priority. A caring culture is emerging, with 98 percent of organisations focusing on how their benefits offerings can better support employee attraction, retention and engagement.

• Rethinking compensation and rewards: The inflationary environment has organisations rethinking their compensation and rewards programmes to stay competitive in a tight talent market while balancing spend and securing talent. HR leaders shared some of the actions taken.

Unleash your bold

In a rapidly changing environment, forward-thinking organisations are redefining how they interact with their workforce to build resilient and agile organisations that can navigate current challenges while preparing for the future.

Organisations focusing on HR priorities that enhance employee value and, in turn, add business value will secure a brighter 2023 and beyond for their employees, organisations, communities and relevant stakeholders. 

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If you’re looking to ensure your people strategy, compensation and benefits, and talent management programmes fit your organisation’s needs now and in the future, we can help. We listen to understand what works best for you. And use our insights for the journey ahead.

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