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"In a recent survey* on employee engagement level in South Africa, we scored at an all-time low and a staggering 85% of respondents felt that their companies could do significantly more in this regard," said Henry Chandler, VP of ASTD South Africa.

"An engaged employee is one who positively and proactively influences business operations and high levels of engagement directly influence productivity, staff turnover, company efficiency and other key factors - which are critical for South Africa."

In this environment, the role of human resources, talent development managers and chief learning officers cannot be underestimated. Given the evolution of technology, they are now able to be more focused in how they conduct learning management and employee engagement in the organisation, irrespective of industry. But technology on its own will not make the difference. Leveraging partnerships across public and private sectors will be essential to overcome to this and broader speaking, unemployment.

Build new partnerships

"This conference is designed to help further strengthen existing, and build new, partnerships to help drive the strategic talent dialogue on the continent. The programme has been designed using value-driven speakers who are focused on building a high-performance culture - something that is desperately required in South African and across Africa," added Chandler. "We need to step up our drive and focus on the skills and knowledge transfer if we are to meet the business challenges of tomorrow, build the irresistible organisation and deliver a new world of work, where collaborative partnerships and innovation which rocks the status quo are key."

The conference provides a platform where HR professionals and talent development leaders can collaborate, network, learn and share ideas around best practice and trends - looking at critical issues that need to be identified and discussed if we are to meet the organisational needs of 2030.

"The human resources leadership of South Africa is ideally positioned to play a key role in positively influencing the lives of others, developing and shaping the talent dialogue at a corporate, tertiary, government and SMME level and driving change in South Africa. We are united in our passion and calling and, while our job titles may differ and our industries vary, we are not competitors in this regard. We are HR leaders - united in building skills, showcasing talent and caring for our people, our industry and, ultimately, our country. And together we can be more, do more and make a difference. Be a part of the discussion to affect change in South African and beyond," concluded Chandler.

*The state of employee engagement in South Africa, PDT South Africa, 2014

For more, go to www.astdconference.co.za