How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

There is always a fine but critical balance between working within the parameters of legislation within any jurisdiction and enabling the operational and strategic needs of the business. This is even more prevalent when there are times of instability, and it requires a nuanced and well-judged approach. Employee Relations is a key component of the culture of an organisation which ultimately then leads the business strategy.

What are the main cases or transactions you have been involved in recently (you don’t have to be too specific; we just want to know the work you’ve been doing in general terms)?

With the ever-changing landscape of the workplace, the organisation has had to implement various policies to respond to shifts in global workplace trends. Responding to both the COVID pandemic as well as the move towards hybrid and remote working has been part of my scope of work within the Bank. In addition to responding to wider workplace concerns I am also involved in the core employee relations work pertaining to misconduct, poor performance, incapacity and grievances. I also oversee investigative processes within the organisation and partner the Head of the team on the strategic enablement of ER within the organisation.

In your opinion, what are the main trends that are salient in your country currently (these can be legal, political, economy or business-based)?

The main trends from a labour perspective which have emerged within the South African context at this point are the those that hinge on the socio-economic circumstances of the country. There is a trend of higher levels of harassment cases which lends to the gender-based violence issues at a country level. There has also been a rise in mental health cases and concerns which mirror the societal position. Ultimately the circumstances faced by the wider population do reflect within the workplace, given that workplaces, particularly in larger employers, are a microcosm of society.