Human Resources Consulting in a Shifting Landscape
Each month, Decusatio Human Capital Solutions unpacks the latest Recruitment Trends and HR Trends shaping the workplace. From evolving workforce dynamics to compliance updates and employee wellness initiatives, we track how businesses are strengthening their Human Capital strategies.
For both small businesses and growing enterprises, staying competitive requires agility, data-driven decisions, and the right guidance. That’s where Human Resources Consulting and Outsourced HR services play a vital role — offering the expertise to help companies attract, retain, and develop top talent while navigating regulatory changes.
In this September 2025 update, we highlight the developments influencing South African organisations and explore how leaders can respond.
Recruitment trends from Google and website data
Every month, we review our Google search and website traffic data to better understand what topics matter most to stakeholders. These insights highlight the pressing concerns facing HR leaders and where businesses need support.
Key phrases trending in September include:
- Benefits of Workforce Planning / Advantages of Workforce Planning
- Temporary Employment Services
- Company Wellness Solutions
Why “workforce planning” is gaining attention
The increase in search activity around workforce planning reflects heightened urgency. With South Africa’s new Employment Equity legislation taking effect, businesses are restructuring workforces to stay compliant, even while legal challenges play out.
Workforce planning allows companies to:
- Anticipate staffing needs.
- Balance compliance with operational efficiency.
- Align workforce structure with long-term growth.
This trend shows how Human Resources consulting can guide businesses through complex regulatory environments.
Temporary Employment Services on the rise
Another search trend pointing upward is Temporary Employment Services (TES). Many companies are exploring TES as they aim to keep headcounts below the 50-employee compliance threshold.
For small and mid-sized enterprises, TES offers flexibility and cost efficiency. However, it also highlights the importance of outsourced HR guidance to ensure compliance with labour regulations while managing temporary or contract staff.
Company Wellness Solutions trending upward
Searches for Company Wellness Solutions have risen sharply heading into the latter part of 2025. This aligns with a pattern we see annually: organisations prioritise corporate wellness programmes toward year-end.
These initiatives are no longer “nice to have.” Instead, they are recognised as key drivers of:
- Employee productivity.
- Engagement and retention.
- Reducing absenteeism and burnout.
Investing in wellness solutions is now part of broader HR Trends focused on building resilient, future-ready teams.
Labour Laws: New Codes of Good Practice
South African businesses continue to grapple with strict labour laws that often discourage hiring. Historically, small businesses in particular have feared costly unfair dismissal claims at the CCMA.
The introduction of the new Code of Good Practice on Dismissal and Code of Good Practice Based on Operational Requirements offers relief. These updates provide small businesses with greater flexibility in disciplinary and consultation procedures, potentially encouraging more confident hiring.
AI and Gender pay gaps: Insights from EBNet
Two major HR discussions emerged on EBNet this month:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skills in Demand
Anja Bates, Head of Data at PNet, reported that demand for AI expertise in South Africa has surged by 352% since 2019, with a 77% YoY increase between H1 2024 and H1 2025. These statistics underscore the need for recruitment strategies that prioritise digital and AI-related skills. - The Gender Pay Gap
Research from Just Share revealed that most JSE Top 40 companies still fail to disclose their gender pay gaps, despite women earning around 30% less than men on average. This lack of transparency continues to be a reputational and governance challenge for listed businesses.
Just Share, Shoprite, and the Minimum Wage debate
Shareholder activist group Just Share made headlines by spotlighting wage disparities at Shoprite. While CEO Pieter Engelbrecht earns over R80 million annually, Shoprite remains the lowest-paying company among the JSE Top 40.
Shoprite counters by pointing out its role as one of the largest employers in South Africa, continuing to expand its workforce despite economic headwinds.
This debate ties into broader HR Trends — particularly the call for entry-level wages to move closer to a “living wage”standard.
Delinquent Directors and Governance Accountability
The concept of delinquent directors is gaining traction in South Africa. Calls for accountability are increasing, especially regarding failed state-owned entities and private contractors benefiting from state tenders.
Kiyasha Thambi, a lecturer at the University of Johannesburg, recently unpacked this trend in detail. At the same time, our CEO Marc Ashton has written about how strong governance frameworks enhance a company’s value proposition.
This underscores why human capital strategies cannot be separated from governance and compliance.
How Human Resources consulting and Outsourced HR can help
Building a future-ready workforce requires more than filling vacancies. It demands a strategic approach to recruitment, compliance, and employee development.
At Decusatio Human Capital Solutions, we provide tailored services through:
- Human Resources Consulting – aligning workforce planning, compliance, and governance.
- Outsourced HR – managing HR functions efficiently for growing businesses.
- Recruitment solutions – sourcing talent with the right skills for technology, finance, and sales.
- Company Wellness Solutions – building healthier, more engaged teams.
Whether your priority is to attract skilled talent, streamline HR processes, or strengthen compliance, our team is here to support your growth.
Contact us today to explore how we can help your organisation thrive.
Conclusion: Recruitment and HR Trends to watch
September 2025 highlighted several important Recruitment Trends and HR Trends:
- Workforce planning is top of mind due to legislative changes.
- Temporary Employment Services are becoming a tool for workforce flexibility.
- Company Wellness Solutions are rising in demand.
- AI skills remain in short supply, while the gender pay gap continues to be a challenge.
- Governance and accountability are reshaping expectations for directors and executives.
As South Africa’s world of work evolves, Human Resources Consulting and Outsourced HR are more critical than ever. The companies that adapt fastest to these trends will build stronger, more resilient teams for the future.