The recession has had a profound impact on the environment in which we operate. The analysts tell us that it has impacted both consumer behaviour and the way that organisations operate. As we move beyond the recession, we as managers and business owners need to understand how these changes impact the people within our organisations so that we can realise both their potential and the potential of our business.

1. Talent Trends for the New Economy Presented by Marion Stone

2. Factors influencing the SA Economic Environment

3. The SA Employment Environment

5. Promotion

6. Development & training

7. Uncertainty

8. Job security

9. Job more difficult

11. Engaged Disengaged Brims with enthusiasm, contributes ideas, is optimistic about the company and its future, is seldom absent from work, typically stays with the organisation longer and is among the organisation’s most valuable ambassadors. Often absent (even when they are at work). They are disconnected and often pessimistic about change and new ideas. They have high rates of absenteeism and tend to negatively influence those around them, including potential customers and new hires.

12. The Economics of Engagement

13. Engagement Drivers – Hertzberg

14. Engagement Drivers – Peter Cheese Career Where am I going? Congruence Do my values align? (Employer of Choice) Community Is it socially rewarding? Compensation Am I fairly rewarded and recognised? Coping How am I supported? Content Do I enjoy what I do (meaningful work)?

15. High Commitment People Practices Real & regular communication about the state of the business Employees prefer to know than wonder Involvement Where you can involve employees in decision making Internal promotions (in place of external hires) or broadening of responsibilities

16. High Commitment People Practices Strengthen the connections between employees and the organisation through a clear vision and objectives that support the business strategy Regular feedback on performance Invest in training (e.g. on feedback, managing change) to equip employees to handle the new reality - not only technical skills!

17. Damage Control Retrenchments ‘Measure twice and cut once’ Communicate, communicate, communicate! Take care of those leaving to manage the motivation of those left behind Benefits Change rather than take away to preserve the psychological contract

18. Opportunities Examine your processes and introduce efficient practices Acquire ‘hard to come by’ talent Capture the learning on how to deal with a downturn Prepare for the upturn Understand your business environment Evaluate the skills you will need to handle it Equip your managers to handle the new environment

19. What next? Leave me your business card and I will send you the slides Take my business card Visit my website for more information www.cornerstoneconnections.co.za Sign up for an informative, free monthly newsletter on my homepage or by leaving me your card.