Latest news with #NomieNxumalo
News24
03-06-2025
- Business
- News24
How to thrive in SA's tough job market: embracing side hustles and inclusion
South Africa's unemployment statistics tell a sobering story. The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey reveals that the unemployment rate has risen to 32.9% in Q1 2025, up from 31.9% in the previous quarter. Even more concerning, 76.7% of the country's unemployed people have been jobless for more than a year – a significant increase from 66.0% a decade ago. For job seekers, these numbers aren't just statistics—they represent real challenges that require new strategies. The traditional approach of sending countless CVs and hoping for interviews simply isn't enough in today's competitive market. What employers are looking for While companies still prioritise qualifications and experience, many are increasingly focused on finding employees who reflect the communities they serve. This shift creates opportunities for candidates who might previously have been overlooked. 'You cannot find a more diverse place than South Africa,' notes Nomie Nxumalo, Executive Head of People and Transformation at Miway. 'If leaders want to attract the right customers, they need to have the right people in the organisation – people who reflect the communities they're serving.' Nxumalo emphasises that this isn't just about ticking demographic boxes: 'It's about access, opportunity, and transformation. When you recruit from the communities you operate in, you're not just hiring staff, you're solving unemployment.' Job seekers should research potential employers' diversity commitments before interviews. Companies with genuine inclusion programs often highlight these on their websites and social media. Look for specific initiatives rather than vague statements about valuing diversity. Evaluating opportunities beyond salary When considering job offers, today's savvy job seekers should look beyond just the paycheck. While compensation remains important, other factors significantly impact job satisfaction and career growth. 'Everyone needs to feed their families, but we're finding that young people today aren't only looking for a salary,' says Nxumalo. 'They want to know how we treat each other, what we're doing in our communities, and whether they'll have opportunities to grow.' Questions worth asking potential employers include: What professional development opportunities do you offer? Do you have mentorship or sponsorship programs? How do you support employees' wellbeing? What community initiatives is the company involved in? According to Nxumalo, sponsorship is particularly valuable: 'A sponsor is someone who opens doors for you, even when you're not in the room. That's the kind of support many young South African professionals have never had.' Navigating the job market with a disability For South Africans with disabilities, the employment landscape presents significant challenges. Current statistics show that while approximately 15% of South Africans have disabilities, the employment rate for disabled persons within companies is just 1.0%, with unemployment rates among this group estimated at over 86%. 'The stigma around disability – especially mental illness – is still massive,' says Nxumalo. Many companies, however, are beginning to partner with organisations like the Career and Disability Expo to change this reality. These collaborations aim to dismantle stubborn stigmas while creating meaningful employment opportunities. Job seekers with disabilities should consider: Researching companies with established disability inclusion programs Connecting with specialised career expos and recruitment initiatives Being prepared to discuss reasonable accommodations that could help you succeed in the role Building digital skills that future-proof your career As automation transforms workplaces, developing digital skills has become essential for long-term employability. With AI and automation reshaping the world of work, job seekers need to prioritise digital upskilling. 'Digital transformation has been happening for years, but what's changed is the speed,' notes Nxumalo. Programs focusing on data literacy, cybersecurity, and digital behavior are becoming increasingly important across industries. Fortunately, South Africa offers several free and accessible digital skills training options: Mzansi Digital Learning: Free courses in AI, entrepreneurship, cybersecurity Grow with Google: Over 70 free online courses in digital marketing and business tools MTN Skills Academy: Digital skills training focused on career advancement ALX Africa: Practical courses in software engineering and data science 'Leaders need to be willing to be upskilled and reskilled too. You can't lead in a digital world if you're afraid of it,' Nxumalo points out. This means digital literacy is valuable at all career levels. Read more | Overemployed and leading a double (remote) life – how having more than one full-time job works in SA Embracing the side hustle generation Perhaps the most significant opportunity for today's job seekers lies in embracing the 'side hustle' mentality—even when pursuing traditional employment. 'They're not chasing a nine-to-five; they're chasing impact,' observes Nxumalo about today's workforce. 'If we want to keep the next generation engaged, we need to design workplaces that support project-based, creative, and side-hustle mindsets.' Successful approaches include: When interviewing, don't hide your side projects—highlight them as evidence of your drive and creativity. Some companies are now actively encouraging internal 'gig work' and leveraging employee talents in unconventional ways — from hiring staff as DJs at events, to tapping into hidden talents like photography, coding, and content creation. 'You're not just one thing,' Nxumalo emphasizes. 'We want our people to bring their whole selves to work – because when you do that, you build a workplace that's truly inclusive.' South Africa's unemployment crisis won't be solved overnight, but understanding how the employment landscape is changing helps individuals navigate it more effectively. By developing digital skills, embracing side projects, and seeking out truly inclusive employers, job seekers can position themselves for success even in a challenging market. As Nxumalo concludes, 'This is how the private sector can move the needle on South Africa's deeply entrenched issue of economic exclusion.' For job seekers, this shift represents an opportunity to stand out by authentically sharing not just what you can do, but who you are.
IOL News
15-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Working from home? Understand the insurance implications before you set up
Some companies still allow their employee to work from home now. Image: Pexels PNW Production As many people embrace the convenience of home offices, only a few realise that this work-life-balance choice could have significant implications for their insurance policies. Nomie Nxumalo, executive head for people and transformation at Miway, urges South Africans to review their home and car insurance to ensure they remain adequately covered if they opt to work from the comfort of their personal space. 'Most standard home insurance policies are structured around personal use of the home. Whether you're running a business or working remotely, it's crucial to declare to your insurer if a portion of your home is being used for business purposes,' Nxumalo said. She said that not doing so could result in claims being declined or certain losses not being covered. There is a shift in the purpose of property, as homes are no longer a mere living place only. Last month, John Herbst, CEO of Fine & Country Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), said properties today serve multiple purposes; they are now spaces to work, create, entertain, and relax. 'For real estate professionals, this means shifting the conversation from square metres to possibility. The work-from-anywhere revolution is not only changing where we live – it's redefining why we live there in the first place,' Herbst said. The network of independent estate agents said the future of work is hybrid, flexible, and mobile, and the homes people live in need to reflect that. While remote and hybrid work arrangements have recently started to decline as the return-to-office trend has gained momentum around the globe, many companies continue to embrace these models to attract and retain top talent. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ According to Miway, the working-from-home option does impact how South Africans use their homes and vehicles and must be considered when it comes to protecting these important assets. The South African-based direct insurance company said the integration of workspaces into personal residences brings about certain dynamics to home usage. It said many homeowners have invested in expensive office equipment, increased their reliance on home internet, and even started running businesses from their residences. However, the insurer said failing to inform insurers about these changes could lead to gaps in coverage or even rejected claims in some cases. For instance, Miway said home offices often house valuable equipment like computers and printers, as well as back-up supply to routers, which many people installed when loadshedding was at its worst. It added that other items could include fridges and storage, depending on the business activities. According to the company, these products may require extra coverage beyond a standard insurance policy and would certainly need to be considered under contents coverage. 'Additionally, handling sensitive data from home can expose you to cyber threats, yet most home insurance policies do not include cybersecurity,' Nxumalo said. She concluded that the best approach is to consult with an insurance professional to tailor coverage to one's specific needs, ensuring all aspects of their work-from-home lifestyle are adequately safeguarded. The Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR) surveyed college graduates in 40 countries across the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa from November 2024 to February 2025 to collect information on working from home (WFH). The institution said it derived five facts from its study. It found that WFH is highest in North America, the UK and Australia, and lowest in Asia. The study showed that WFH levels fell from 2022 to 2023 but have since stabilised. Employees with children are more likely to split their workweeks between home and the employer's location, while those without children are more likely to work in a fully remote or fully onsite capacity. WFH levels are similar for men and women in every major region of the world. The desire to WFH is highest among women with children, the study found. Independent Media Property
