When should I start hiring my first employee?

Consider hiring when you're consistently working 60+ hours per week, turning away profitable work due to capacity, or spending time on tasks that don't require your expertise. Ensure you have 3-6 months of salary and compliance costs budgeted before hiring, plus systems to manage and train new team members effectively.

What are the key labour laws I need to know in South Africa?

Key South African labour laws include the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (working hours, leave), Labour Relations Act (discipline and dismissal), Employment Equity Act (fair hiring), and Skills Development Act (training levies). You must also comply with PAYE, UIF, SDL, and Workers' Compensation requirements.

How do I create effective job descriptions?

Effective job descriptions include specific responsibilities, required qualifications, performance expectations, reporting structure, and growth opportunities. Focus on outcomes rather than tasks, use inclusive language, specify experience levels clearly, and include salary ranges and benefits to attract quality candidates.

What's the best way to retain good employees?

Employee retention requires competitive compensation, growth opportunities, positive work culture, recognition and feedback, work-life balance, and strong management relationships. Regular one-on-ones, clear career paths, skills development, and meaningful work contribute significantly to retention.

How much should I budget for my first hire?

Budget 1.3-1.5x the gross salary for total employment costs including UIF (2%), SDL (1% if applicable), workers' compensation, equipment, training, and recruitment costs. For a R15,000/month employee, total monthly cost is approximately R19,500-R22,500 including all compliance and support costs.

What should I include in an employment contract?

Employment contracts must include job description, salary and benefits, working hours, leave entitlements, notice periods, disciplinary procedures, confidentiality clauses, and termination conditions. Ensure contracts comply with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and include probation periods where applicable.

Workshop 11: Building Your Team - Strategic Hiring & Employee Retention

Why Great Businesses Are Built On Great Teams

You've reached the point where you can't do it all yourself anymore. Your business's future success depends entirely on your ability to build and lead a strong team that can multiply your impact and operate independently.

Steve Jobs understood this: "The secret of my success is that we have gone to exceptional lengths to hire the best people in the world."

Key Learning Areas

Strategic Hiring Process

Master job descriptions, candidate sourcing, screening techniques, and onboarding for successful hires

Employee Retention Strategy

Create positive workplace culture and development opportunities that keep your best people engaged and loyal

Payroll Management

Set up reliable payroll systems ensuring accurate, timely payments and compliance with South African regulations

Labour Law Compliance

Understand the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Workmen's Compensation Fund requirements, and implement HR policies that protect your business

Actionable HR Strategy

Develop personalised action plans to immediately improve hiring, retention, and compliance within your business

The High Cost of Getting Team Building Wrong

Expensive Hiring Mistakes

A bad hire can cost 2-3 times their annual salary in recruitment, training, and lost productivity

Constant Turnover

Without retention strategies, you're stuck in an endless cycle of hiring and training

Legal Compliance Risks

Employment law violations can result in massive fines and damaged reputation

Cultural Destruction

One wrong hire can poison team morale and drive away your best people

Personal Capacity Limitations

Operating solo limits your business growth to your personal availability and skills

Key Person Dependency

Without a strong team, your business can't function independently of your presence

By the end of this workshop, you'll confidently answer:

"How do I write job descriptions that attract the right candidates?"
"What's the best process for screening and interviewing potential hires?"
"How do I create a workplace culture that retains top talent?"
"What are my legal obligations as an employer in South Africa?"
"How do I set up payroll and manage HR compliance correctly?"
"How can I build systems that allow my business to thrive independently?"

What You'll Receive

Comprehensive Training Manual

Comprehensive system covering every aspect of team building from initial hiring through long-term retention and development.

Comprehensive Resource Library

10+ compliance guides including BCEA, SARS, and UIF requirements, 7 ready-to-use templates, plus salary benchmarking and resource links

Access to Mentorship & Coaching

Expert guidance from experienced business advisors who understand South African regulations and requirements.

Available Formats

In-Person

Duration: 3 hours + Q&A
Includes: Follow-up coaching/mentorship session.

Investment: R3,599

Book In-Person

Live Online

Duration: 2.5 hours + Q&A
Includes: Follow-up coaching/mentorship session.

Investment: R2,799

Book Live Online

E-Learning

Duration: Self-paced
Includes: Discounted coaching/mentorship sessions

Investment: R699

Access E-Learning

Who This Workshop Is Perfect For

Solo entrepreneurs ready to hire their first employees
Small business owners struggling with high employee turnover
Growing businesses needing structured HR processes

Business owners concerned about labour law compliance
Entrepreneurs wanting to build a strong company culture
Anyone seeking to multiply their business impact through people

Building Your Team