In 2014 the remuneration and reward industry has been under increasing prominence, focus and pressure as a result of business demands to deliver against the backdrop of a struggling economy, changes in legislation and socio economic challenges.
The concerns about the wage gap, the pressure on executive and non-executive directors pay, and the impact of strikes further complicate the reward environment.
“Challenging times are ahead of us and Reward Professionals will have to sharpen their skills and abilities to assist business to operate in a more harmonious work environment where employees are engaged and motivated to deliver against the objectives set,” says Peet Kruger, President of the South African Reward Association (SARA).
He believes the Association has a key role to play in influencing organisations and professionals to think differently about the reward environment, to educate and train key stakeholders in managing reward effectively and to ensure that research is conducted and information is shared that will assist the industry to keep up with a changing landscape.
“The reward industry is evolving at a rapid rate and businesses have to adapt strategy, tactics, processes, systems, skills and competencies to maintain and improve their competitive positioning,” says Kruger.
SARA has established an annual Conference to help businesses with their reward strategies.
The Annual SARA Conference is a highlight on the SARA event calendar and the result of many hours of planning and organising with the aim to promote and develop the reward profession and influence the thinking along the lines of the changes mentioned above.
The two-day event hosts a renowned panel of top notch local and international speakers covering a range of topics that continue to impact the rewards profession.
This year the theme is The Evolution of Reward and a quality range of presentations is scheduled covering critical topics such as the evolution of organisational culture and people-practices, the pay governance environment, woman and pay, labour market wages, the economics and ethics of pay, and the journey and evolution towards seamless reward and talent management.
One of the strengths of this event are the breakaway plenary sessions available to delegates, which focus on enhancing and optimising Excel skills for reward professionals, and key International Mobility issues.
“There are numerous relevant topics up for discussion at this event,” Kruger continues. “We are excited about the increase in focus and attention that businesses are now paying to reward as a strategic contributor in managing their organisations better. It is of critical importance to the economic and socio-political development of the country.”
