Where we can help you.
Are you looking for a reliable and experienced human resource management and industrial relations consultancy that can help you navigate the complex and challenging environments, we have experience across many sectors in South Africa. If so, you have come to the right place. We are a team of qualified and dedicated HR and IR professionals who specialise in providing tailored solutions for small to medium sized enterprises (SMMEs) across a variety of sectors.
We offer a range of services that can help you manage the HR and IR aspects, such as:
- Compliance, audits and advice: we can help you ensure that your call centre operations comply with all the relevant labour laws and regulations, from the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, to the Labour Relations Act, to the Employment Equity Act, to the Skills Development Act. We can also conduct audits and assessments to identify any gaps or risks in your HR and IR practices.
- Employment contracts and policies: We can help you draft and review your employment contracts, policies, procedures and codes of conduct. Ensuring that they are aligned with the latest labour legislation and best practices, essential for your employees’ rights and obligations.
- Disciplinary and grievance procedures: We also help you with disciplinary and grievance issues, ensuring that they are handled fairly and legally.
- Internal dispute resolution and mediation
- Retrenchment and restructuring
- Employee relations: We can help you manage your employee relations, from handling grievances and disciplinary matters, to facilitating negotiations and mediations, to resolving disputes and conflicts.
- Recruitment and selection: We can help you find and hire the best talent for your call centre, using proven methods and tools to assess candidates’ skills, personality, and fit.
- Onboarding: We also help you with the induction, training, and orientation of your new staff, ensuring that they are ready to work for you as soon as possible.
- Training and development: we can help you plan and deliver training and development programs for your call centre staff, from induction and orientation, to skills enhancement and career progression.
- Performance management: We can help you design and implement effective performance management systems, from setting goals and expectations, to providing feedback and coaching, to conducting appraisals and reviews.
ACCOUNTANTS:
We understand the challenges that accountants face in their work, especially when they are the first to notice that something is wrong with the numbers. Numbers don’t lie, but people do, and sometimes you need expert advice and support to deal with the human factor behind the figures.
We know that accounting firms may not have much experience or expertise in labour law, and that they may face pressure from their clients to resolve any issues that arise from the financial analysis. We also know that sometimes you may have to deal with multiple companies within a portfolio, some of which may be poorly managed and require more direct HR intervention than you are comfortable with. That’s why we are here to assist you with our knowledge and skills, and to take care of the HR and IR matters so that you can focus on your core business.
We are not an accounting firm, and we do not pretend to be one. We respect your professional boundaries and we do not interfere with your accounting work. We are a consultancy that sticks to its knitting, and that is providing high-quality HR and IR services for SMME’s including accountants in the financial sector. When we work for accountants we work under their direction – we are here to support you, not to compete with you.
BODY CORPORATES, HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATIONS, SECTIONAL TITLES AND PRIVATE ESTATES IN THE PRIVATE PROPERTY SECTOR:
Predictably most of these entities need to hire at least a few staff. Unfortunately because the members of the organization that have been tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the staff usually have day jobs, direct day to day supervision is often lacking. Inevitably over time this leads to dissatisfaction and tension between the members and the employees. Usually by the time the entity gets around to addressing these issues things have gotten quite serious and professional help is needed.
Body corporates, home owners associations, sectional titles and private estates also have to deal with the more run of the mill staff issues such as compliance with labour legislation, employee relations, collective bargaining, performance management and payroll issues. These challenges often require specialised HR/IR consultancy services.
At the same time we know that these entities are generally too small to afford or require full-time HR/IR staff, but still need to comply with the relevant labour laws, regulations and procedures. That is why we specialiSe in providing tailor-made HR/IR solutions for SMME’s, working on-site with our clients to understand their specific needs and deliver effective results.
CALL CENTRES:
We understand that running a call centre is not easy, especially in a highly regulated and competitive industry like direct marketing. You have to deal with high turnover, low morale, performance management, training and development, labour disputes, compliance issues, and more. That’s why we offer a range of HR and IR services that can help you optimize your human capital, reduce your risks, and improve your bottom line.
We are aware of the unique pressure that SMEs in the call centre sector are under in terms of labour legislation and regulations. We know that you have limited resources and time to deal with HR and IR issues. That’s why we are focused on helping you mitigate this pressure by providing you with practical, affordable, and customised solutions that suit your specific needs.
DOMESTIC WORKERS:
Many households rely on domestic staff to help them with daily chores, childcare, and elderly care. However, employing domestic staff can also pose some challenges for both the employers and the employees. Some of these challenges include:
- – Finding qualified and trustworthy staff who can meet the specific needs and preferences of each household
- – Negotiating fair and legal contracts, wages, benefits, and working conditions that comply with labour laws and regulations
- – Managing performance, feedback, and conflict resolution in a respectful and professional manner
- – Handling termination, replacement, or relocation of staff in case of changes in the household situation or the staff’s circumstance.
Because these challenges are literally experienced close to home by the domestic employer it can rapidly create stress, confusion, and disputes between the parties, which can affect the quality of service and the relationship between them. That is why hiring Gente can be a valuable investment for households who employ domestic staff. Gente can offer expert advice and guidance on how to recruit, retain, and manage domestic staff effectively and ethically. Gente can also help resolve any issues or conflicts that may arise between the employers and the employees, and ensure that both parties are treated fairly and respectfully.
ESTABLISHING A NEW BUSINESS:
We understand that starting a new business is a challenging and exciting endeavour, and that you have many other issues to deal with besides human relations. That’s why we are here to help you with the staffing needs of your business, so that you can focus on your core activities and goals. We believe that the quality of your staff is a key factor in the success of your business, and we are committed to helping you find and retain the best people for your team.
FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS:
We know that family owned businesses are unique in many ways. They have a strong sense of identity, loyalty, and commitment. They also have a shared vision, mission, and values. However, they also face some specific issues that can affect their performance and sustainability. For example:
– How to balance family and business interests
– How to manage succession planning and leadership development
– How to deal with conflicts and disputes among family members
– How to handle poor performance or misconduct by family members
– How to comply with labour laws and regulations
These issues can be difficult to address, especially when emotions are involved. That’s why we are here to help. We are not only experts in HR and IR, but are also well versed in family dynamics and keeping the peace while getting performance back on track. As outsiders we can help you have the “hard” conversations with family members who are not pulling their weight in the business, without damaging the family relationships. We can also help you create a positive and productive work environment that fosters trust, respect, and collaboration among all employees
FOREIGN BUSINESSES:
Foreign companies that want to set up a satellite business in South Africa may encounter some challenges when hiring local staff. Some of these challenges include:
- – Different labour laws and regulations that may affect the terms and conditions of employment, such as minimum wage, working hours, disciplinary processes, etc.
- – Cultural differences that may require cross-cultural training and communication skills to foster a positive work environment and avoid misunderstandings or conflicts.
- – Skills shortages and gaps that may limit the availability and quality of talent, especially in specialized or technical fields, and may require additional investment in education and training.
- – Political and economic instability that may affect the security and profitability of the business, as well as the morale and motivation of the staff.
Gente helps foreign companies navigate these challenges and provide tailored solutions to meet their specific needs and goals.
We understand that South African labour law can be challenging and confusing for foreign employers who are used to different labour law dispensations. Many foreign employers find themselves in costly and time-consuming labour disputes that could have been avoided with proper guidance and support. That’s why we are here to help you. We have the expertise and experience to help you navigate the South African labour law landscape and ensure that your business runs smoothly and successfully. We can help you prevent common pitfalls and mistakes that can lead to fines, penalties, litigation, or even dismissal of your staff. We can also help you resolve any issues or conflicts that may arise with your employees in a fair and efficient manner.
We are committed to providing you with professional, reliable, and affordable HR and IR services that meet your expectations and goals. We are focused on helping you achieve your business objectives while respecting the rights and interests of your employees. We believe that a positive and productive work environment is beneficial for both employers and employees, and we strive to create such an environment for you.
GARDEN, MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING:
Employers in the gardening, maintenance and cleaning sector face some unique staff constraints that affect their business operations. These constraints include seasonal fluctuations in demand, high turnover rates, low skill levels, absenteeism, theft, labour unrest and health and safety risks. Employers need to plan ahead, recruit and train staff effectively, and provide adequate supervision and incentives to retain their workers and ensure quality service delivery. You also have to deal with complex labour legislation and regulations, such as the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, the Labour Relations Act as well as sectoral determinations.
We understand the unique challenges that you face as an employer and can assist you with managing your HR and IR functions effectively and efficiently, so that you can focus on your core business activities. We can also help you to reduce your labour costs, improve your productivity, enhance your employee relations, and avoid legal risks.
LABOUR BROKERS IN THE TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SECTOR:
We have extensive experience and knowledge of the labour market and the challenges that labour brokers face in this sector.
At this point it is important for us to emphasise that we are not a labour brokerage and we do not pretend to be one. We are a team of qualified and experienced HR and IR professionals that focuses on what we do best: providing HR and IR solutions to SMME’s including labour brokers in the temporary employment services sector. We do not dilute our expertise or divert our attention from our core business. We stick to our knitting – we have never been and will never become a labour brokerage.
At Gente we are aware of the unique staff constraints that labour brokers in the temporary employment sector in South Africa experience. We know that staff issues often arise on your clients’ premises and require immediate and effective resolution. That is why we offer a mobile and flexible service that can assist you on site, whenever you need us. Our team of experts can handle any staff-related challenge with professionalism and efficiency, ensuring your satisfaction and compliance with the relevant labour laws.
We understand that labour brokers in the temporary employment services sector are under constant pressure to meet the demands of their clients and the requirements of the labour legislation and regulations. We are here to help you mitigate this pressure by providing you with mobile HR and IR services that you can tailor to your specific needs and circumstances.
LIQUIDATORS:
liquidations are complex and stressful processes that require a lot of expertise and experience. That’s why we offer our services to liquidators who are qualified attorneys, accountants, or business rescue practitioners who have been appointed by the court or creditors to handle a liquidation. We can help you with:
- – Preparing and issuing notices of termination to employees
- – Helping to handle employee claims and disputes
- – Complying with the relevant labour laws and regulations
- – Managing employee records and documentation
In addition, we can also assist you when you are trying to sell a business in liquidation or a portion of that business as a going concern. We can help you with:
- – Conducting due diligence on the HR aspects of the transaction
- – Drafting and reviewing employment contracts
- – Facilitating the transfer of employees
- – Advising on the implications of the transfer for employees and employers
We are not liquidators ourselves and we do not pretend to be. We are experts in human resource management and industrial relations, and we stick to our knitting. We do not offer any services that are outside our scope of expertise or competence. We work closely with liquidators to provide them with the best HR solutions for their specific situations.
MANUFACTURING:
We understand that the manufacturing sector is continually faced with unique labour challenges and opportunities that evolve rapidly and need to be dealt with speedily.
Our team of experienced and qualified consultants can assist you with a range of HR and IR services, as well as those that are unique to manufacturing such as:
- Navigating bargaining council agreements: We assist manufacturing with navigating complicated bargaining council agreements such as the MEIBC and the MIBCO for the first time.
- Union interactions: We assist with union interactions including wage negotiations, dispute resolution and the drafting of collective agreements.
At Gente, we understand that SMEs in the manufacturing sector are under immense pressure to compete in a global market, while also complying with stringent labour laws and regulations. That’s why we are committed to helping you achieve your business goals while also respecting the rights and interests of your employees. We believe that a harmonious and productive workplace is the key to success.
NPOs:
Are you a non-profit organization in South Africa that needs help with human resource management and industrial relations? If so, you have come to the right place. We are a consultancy that specializes in providing HR and IR services for small to medium sized enterprises in the NPO sector.
We offer a range of services to help you manage your workforce effectively and comply with the labour laws and regulations that apply to your sector. Some of the services we provide are:
- Recruitment: using fair and transparent processes that align with your mission and values.
- Employment Contracts: We provide customised employment contracts that are tailored to the specific needs of NPO’s. Making provision for the unpredictability of donor driven funding and the fact that many NPO activities are project based with a defined end date.
- Employee relations; Ironically NPO’s regularly have some of the most acrimonious internal disciplinary processes we have seen.
We understand that as a small to medium employer in the NPO sector, you face unique challenges and pressures in managing your human resources and industrial relations. That is why we are committed to providing you with practical and affordable solutions that suit your needs and budget. We have extensive experience and expertise in working with NPOs of various sizes and sectors, and we are passionate about helping you achieve your organizational goals.
PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS:
Are you a private investigator or an undercover investigator who needs to wrap up your investigation in a client business with a disciplinary hearing? If so, you may need the help of a human resource management/industrial relations consultancy that specializes in this area.
At Gente, we understand the unique challenges that you face as an investigator. You not only have to gather evidence and prove the guilt of the perpetrators of in-house commercial crime, but also have to ensure that they are dismissed from their employment in a fair and lawful manner. You also have to deal with the possibility that they may challenge their dismissal at the CCMA and use the opportunity to probe your investigation methods and findings.
That’s why we offer a comprehensive disciplinary hearing service for investigators and their clients. We help you conduct the hearing in accordance with the labour law and the code of good practice. We also advise you on how to avoid pitfalls and loopholes that may compromise the labour aspect of your case and expose you to legal risks.
We have extensive experience and expertise in handling disciplinary hearings for various types of commercial crimes, such as fraud, theft, corruption, bribery, collusion, sabotage, espionage, and more. We have worked with small to medium sized enterprises across different sectors and industries in South Africa. We have a proven track record of achieving successful outcomes for our clients and their investigators.
We are not interested nor capable of putting employees in jail or pursuing criminal charges against them. That is not our area of competence or focus. We stick to our knitting and provide a professional and reliable disciplinary hearing service that complements your investigation and helps you achieve your objectives.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS AND CRECHES:
We understand that SMEs in the private school sector face unique challenges and pressures in terms of labour legislation and regulations. You have to balance the needs and expectations of your staff, your learners, your parents, and your regulators. We are also particularly sensitive to the fact that you have limited time to deal with staff issues and that you need effective and efficient solutions that speedily comply with the law and best practices in order to satisfy you various stakeholders demands. That is why we are here to help you. We are focused on helping you to mitigate the risks and costs associated with labour issues, while enhancing the performance and satisfaction of your staff. We are committed to providing you with quality service, value for money, and peace of mind.
RESTAURANTS:
We understand the unique pressure that you face as an employer in the restaurant sector, where labour legislation and regulations are constantly changing and evolving, and where labour disputes and grievances can have a significant impact on your productivity and profitability. That is why we offer a range of HR and IR services that can help you manage your workforce effectively and efficiently, while complying with the relevant laws and standards.
Some of the restaurant specific services we offer include:
- Navigating bargaining council agreements: We assist restauranteurs with navigating complicated bargaining council agreements such as the BCRCAT and the BCFFRCAT for the first time.
- Union interactions: We assist with union interactions including wage negotiations, dispute resolution and the drafting of collective agreements.
We are committed to providing you with high-quality HR and IR services that can add value to your business and support your strategic objectives. We are also flexible and adaptable to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you need ongoing support or ad hoc assistance, we are ready to partner with you and help you succeed in the restaurant sector.
RETAILERS:
Our consultancy is dedicated to helping small supermarkets and retailers in the wholesale and retail sector navigate the complex landscape of labour legislation and regulations.
We understand that small to medium employers in the retail sector face unique pressures when it comes to labour legislation and regulations. That’s why we are focused on helping to mitigate these pressures by providing a range of HR and IR services that are tailored to the needs of small supermarkets and retailers in the wholesale and retail sector, such as.
- Scheduling: We provide expert advice and guidance on creating “peaks and valleys” staff schedules that address the ebb and flow of the business while still being legally compliant and ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of staff resources.
- Payroll compliance: We provide expert advice and guidance on all aspects of payroll compliance, including ensuring that overtime is correctly paid for and that all relevant legislation is adhered to.
Our consultancy is committed to providing high-quality HR and IR services that are tailored to the needs of small supermarkets and retailers in the wholesale and retail sector. We understand the unique challenges that these businesses face, and we are dedicated to helping them succeed.
SECURITY:
We understand the unique challenges and pressures that small to medium employers in the safety and security sector face in terms of HR and IR management. That is why we are committed to providing you with practical, affordable, and tailored solutions that suit your specific needs and objectives. We have extensive experience and expertise in working with security firms of various sizes and types.