For those fortunate enough to be in permanent employment, it is critical to aware of the context of the current labour market in this country. The dismal unemployment figures that have become not just a regular feature in the media, but a topic of discussion for nearly all citizens, points to an issue that has become central to our national discourse.

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Skewed

The reality is that the labour market is currently massively skewed in favour of buyers (employers), rather than sellers (job-seekers). The age of sheltered employment is long gone, and employers are spoilt for choice in all but a few select fields. What this means is that those currently permanently employed need to be actively protecting their positions, and new entrants need to adopt and project different traits to make them attractive to prospective employers.

Respect

One of these key traits is ‘attitude’. In a recent article, HR practitioner Des Squires writes that ‘attitude not aptitude determines altitude’ in life and career. He goes on to stress professionalism in everything one does in the workplace, together with high levels of respect shown to colleagues, clients, and the company and critically, the quality of the work they produce. Without respect, he cautions, even the highest levels of skill count for nothing.

Taking up various roles at a company enables employees to make an impact that will surely mark them out as assets worthy of further investment.

Relevant

The second is continuous learning and personal growth. As BP Biddappa, Chief HR Officer of Unilever India puts it ‘today it’s the non-curious cat that could face extinction’. He further points out that skills and expertise are no longer as valuable on their own: they can be acquired, bought or outsourced. So employers are seeking out, and placing more value on ‘outside the box thinkers’, those who are constantly seeking ways to keep their jobs relevant and add value to the company.

The third is endurance: no matter how ‘demeaning’ or ‘entry-level’ one’s job is perceived to be, HR experts have urged sticking to a job long enough to build credibility and confidence.   

After matriculating, Vijay Naidoo studied Economics in the UK. Upon his return, he joined the family construction business as MD for 10 years.

He subsequently joined his sister in their furniture manufacturing business as director for quality assurance and operations. He was responsible for all quality aspects of their products, and led the project to the business achieving an ISO 9000 quality accreditation. As an export focused business, this was important for our international competitiveness.

Mr Naidoo has an abiding interest in quality management and productivity improvement, particularly in manufacturing.

More recently, he has focused a lot of his time on giving back to the community by way of mentorship of small businesses and sitting on the executive of the South Coast Chamber of Commerce. He also sits on the Board of the Ugu South Coast Development Agency.

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