HR Trends 2024: Marathon Challenges Ahead

Craig Raath, Executive Director at 21st Century shares his thoughts…

“I was sitting in my office on the 2nd of January, surrounded by some equally deranged runners – we were discussing our endurance goals for 2024. The conversation sparked while I was staring at a blank page, contemplating the myriad challenges we're likely to face while assisting our clients this year. What follows is an intersection of these two trains of thought.

“I have the great privilege of running the “Ultimate Human Race”, better known as the Comrades Marathon every June so I thought: let me attempt to align the challenges and see if I can find synergy. Planning for this endurance event involves meticulous preparation—setting goals, training schedules, and strategies for the long-haul. In a similar vein, aligning these challenges with the organisational landscape feels like orchestrating a well-thought-out race plan. Imagine the South African HR landscape as a challenging ultra-marathon, and each trend acts as a critical element in the runner's toolkit.

“Remuneration and Reward: These are the energy gels and water tables along the marathon route, providing sustenance and motivation. Just like these supplies keep the runner fuelled, fair and transparent remuneration and attractive benefits fuel employee engagement and motivation to perform for their organisations. I believe that some of the challenges that we will all face this year are:

Customisation of remuneration packages based on individual preferences and needs.We will continue to grapple with getting non-monetary benefits right in a bid to differentiate ourselves from competitors in a tough business landscape.Integration of technology for transparent and efficient reward systems.Ensuring equality whilst balancing the retention requirements of a diminishing talent pool.

“Organisational Design: It’s the strategic pacing strategy of the runner. It’s not just about running the race; it's about pacing oneself, finding the optimal stride, and adjusting to the route profile and conditions. Similarly, effective organisational design ensures companies have the right structure and agility to navigate the business landscape efficiently. Challenges here could include:

Flexible organisational structures to foster agility and innovation.Tweaking hybrid work models and reimagining physical workspaces for collaboration and productivity.Focus on moral restructuring, where organisations look at solutions other than retrenching employees in a country where unemployment is endemic.

“Change Management: This embodies the resilience and adaptability of the runner. In this marathon of constant shifts and challenges, successful organisations need the agility to pivot like a seasoned runner adjusts pace and technique to conquer varying terrains and unexpected discomforts.  Some focus areas could be:

Continuous learning and adaptability as a cultural norm within organisations.Empowering leaders with change management skills to guide teams through constant transformations.Implementing agile methodologies for quick responses to market shifts.

“People & Talent Management: This represents the training and preparation regimen of the runner. It’s not just about being in the race; it’s about preparing the body and mind for the long haul. Likewise, organisations need effective talent management to nurture skills, foster growth, and ensure employees are ready for the challenges ahead.  Highlighted challenges could include:

Focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion to create dynamic and inclusive work environments.Personalised career paths and skill development plans for employees.Prioritising employee well-being and mental health support programs.Leveraging data-driven insights for performance improvement, talent acquisition, retention, and succession planning.

“Analytics: Serving as the route map and GPS for the runner. Just as a runner studies the marathon route, analysing elevation changes and landmarks, organisations leverage analytics to decipher market trends, predict shifts, and make informed decisions, guiding them through the twists and turns of the business landscape.  Potential focal areas might be:

Utilising predictive analytics for workforce planning and identifying future skill requirements.Integrating AI and machine learning for better decision-making in HR processes.Harnessing big data to measure employee engagement, productivity, and overall organisational performance.

“In this narrative, the Comrades Marathon becomes a metaphorical journey for South African organisations in 2024. Each trend isn't merely a checkpoint but a crucial element that organisations must embrace to traverse the competitive and challenging terrain of the business world, just as a runner conquers the gruelling 90km route, step by step.

“As consultants, our role is to be the coach and support crew, helping organisations train, strategise, and navigate their way to the finish line of success in this challenging, yet rewarding race of doing business in South Africa.”

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Written by Craig Raath, Executive Director at 21st Century.

About 21st Century:

21st Century, a level 2 BBBEE company, is one of the largest Business and People Solutions consultancies in Africa, specialising in sustainable business solutions and underpinned by exceptional Analytics and Research capabilities, with a team of more than 60 skilled specialists, servicing over 1700 clients – including non-profit organisations, unlisted companies, government, parastatals and over two-thirds of the companies listed on the JSE. 21st Century offers bespoke business and strategy planning services, operating model and organisational design, creative reward practice modelling and market data, change, stakeholder and culture management, training courses and comprehensive human capital and talent plans. 21st Century continues to offer solutions via a combination of virtual channels and on-site presence. 

21st Century has 5 business areas, focussing on: Remuneration and Reward; Organisational Design; Change Management; People & Talent and Analytics.

21st Century has both national and international capabilities. We offer full-spectrum Human Capital services to sub-Saharan Africa & Middle East clients, and as the African representative of the GECN group (www.gecn.com)  have access to expertise on every continent around the world.

For more information visit: www.21century.co.za or contact us at (011) 447 0306

Or contact Craig Raath Executive Director at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Issued By: The Lime Envelope
On Behalf Of: 21st Century
For Media Information: Bronwyn Levy
Telephone: 076 078 1723
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