The latest unemployment rate percentage in South-Africa, was announced on 14 May 2019. The unemployment rate rose to 27.6 percent in the first quarter of 2019 from 27.1 percent in the previous period. It is the highest jobless rate since Quarter 3 2017.
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“Reward and HR professionals, as well as SARA, know they have a key role to play to accelerate inclusive growth, create jobs, develop the skills that South Africa needs now and into the future, as well as improve the living conditions of our citizens, especially the poor,” says Morag Phillips, Executive Member of the South African Reward Association.

Why companies need to focus on attracting, retaining and rewarding employees
Analysts predict only moderate economic growth for South Africa. Amid political uncertainties and widespread corruption, Phillips says that businesses can’t continue with “business as usual”.

There are still high levels of unemployment (27.6%) and high numbers of skilled, educated workers leaving the country, which is why corporations need to focus on how they attract, retain, and reward their workforce effectively.

“South Africa is still an attractive destination for international executives and entrepreneurs, and many of our own people are skilled but without work. We have the people we need, but companies need to change the status quo within their organisations.

The Reward profession is focused on providing an appropriate framework to attract, retain and engage these people to build their skills, work hard, innovate and contribute to economic growth in a way that creates value for shareholders, employees and the state,” says Phillips.

Fair and Responsible Reward frameworks have become the norm among responsible, attractive employers
To assist government achieve the 2030 National Development Plan’s target of 6% unemployment, many companies have made fair and responsible reward a part of their company culture and remuneration packages.

Companies have realised the role they have to play in not only improving the unemployment rate but improving the lives of their people.

Understanding the value of jobs to address poverty and inequality
The Reward profession, as well as more general HR initiatives, look at the value of jobs and how they contribute to the economy as well as the skills and competencies that are needed to resource the country’s macro plans such as the NDP.
Something that is currently under discussion in the business community is the feasibility of launching a Living Wage Foundation in South Africa, similar to the same in the United Kingdom.

The goal of the UK Foundation is the campaigning of organisations with the aim of persuading employers to pay a Living Wage - an independently-calculated recommended minimum wage to cover workers' basic needs.

“Responsible employers work with Reward professionals to create sensible ways to address the pay gap and mobilise corporate buying power to provide essential goods and services to employees at better prices,” says Phillips.

Find what makes your people tick and work to strike the right balance
Even with a limited pool of money, companies with a real desire for change have been able to use their money wisely to create an enviable balance between having an efficient organisation and rewarding as well as motivating their people.

“There are many examples of South African employers who are deeply empathetic about the lives of their employees.
There is a shift from a narrow view of only salaries to a broader view of ‘total reward’, where the full employee experience is considered, including benefit offerings as well as development initiatives, as examples

When companies work alongside Reward professionals to understand what makes their employees tick, they can create great reward programs that benefit their people, their brands, and the economy as a whole,” concludes Phillips.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Rosa-Mari Le Roux, 060 995 6277, rosa-mari@thatpoint.co.za, www.atthatpoint.co.za  
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For more information on SARA please visit:
Website: www.sara.co.za 
Twitter: @SA_reward
LinkedIn: South African Reward Association
Facebook: SARA – South African Reward Association

As of 2017, close to a million South Africans were living in foreign countries. 

For first-time expats, a job offer abroad presents many questions that don’t have easy answers.

South African Reward Association (SARA) Executive Committee member, Nicol Mullins, says there are several considerations to carefully weigh when deciding whether to take up an offer abroad or not.

“Expats should keep in mind that if they accept a foreign assignment, they will be subject to the host country’s cost of living as well as quality of living, which might be significantly different to what they are used to back home,” says Mullins.

A job offer of USD$20,000 per month may seem lucrative, but if the job is based in Luanda, Angola, the entire amount could easily be spent on housing.

“The cost and quality of living that you are subjected to may change dramatically. It is important to do a thorough investigation so that you know what your income will be in relation to what you will spend to live in a foreign country,” says Mullins.

Tax implications
The South African Revenue Service has new rules about the reform of the foreign employment income tax exemption.

In the past, South African expats did not have to pay tax if they were abroad for 183 or more days in any 12-month period, which had to include a continuous absence of at least 60 days.

Expats earning R1-million or more will no longer get this tax exemption, and income tax is payable on earnings of over R1-million at rates of up to 45%.

“Expats who want to avoid paying tax in South Africa need to ‘financially emigrate’, which means liquidating all their assets in the country.

You must have no intention of returning to South Africa and you are not allowed to have any vested interests, including something as small as a pet, in South Africa to avoid paying tax to SARS.

Keep in mind that you will also be taxed on money that you take out of the country.

This money is taxed at between 20% - 50%, which means you could lose half your wealth by liquidating your assets and taking the money abroad,” says Mullins.

Analysing your expat package
There are different variations of expat packages.

The type you will be offered will depend on the geographic location of the company, the role that you will take, as well as the way the company structures these packages for employees.

“Employees with highly specialised skills may receive a full expat package where the company covers the cost of everything from flights, hotels, and visas to the cost of your move.

Other packages may include an allowance for home travel, housing, and a car, for example.

At a minimum, you want to be a position where you can afford the same goods and services that you enjoy back home.

Speak to a tax specialist and carefully do your calculations to make sure the move is right for you and your family,” concludes Mullins.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Rosa-Mari Le Roux, 060 995 6277, rosa-mari@thatpoint.co.za, www.atthatpoint.co.za  
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For more information on SARA please visit:
Website: www.sara.co.za  
Twitter: @SA_reward
LinkedIn: South African Reward Association
Facebook: SARA – South African Reward Association