employees’ natural talents and providing opportunities for them to apply their strengths in meaningful ways.
When managers act as coaches rather than bosses, they help build a development-focused culture. According to Great Place to Work, this starts with leadership, who can motivate employees by supporting their growth and recognising achievements. Managers, being close to daily operations, can give targeted feedback and coaching, which helps employees grow and leads to a more engaged and high-performing workforce.
HOW PPS SUPPORTS EMPLOYEE GROWTH
In 2024, we launched an initiative to encourage career conversations across the organisation. More than 700 employees engaged in meaningful discussions about their future, gaining clearer insights into their career paths for 2025 and beyond. These talks focussed not only on longterm goals but also on actionable steps for professional growth.
To highlight the importance of these conversations, each participant received a small token of appreciation- a coffee reward- reinforcing that career development is worth celebrating.
Through the PPS Academy, employees can access courses that enhance both work-related skills and broader capabilities like leadership, critical thinking and strategic decision-making. PPS also offers bursaries for further studies, demonstrating our commitment to lifelong learning.
We recognise that investing in employees’ career growth builds a stronger workforce and creates an environment where people can thrive, innovate and take ownership of their professional journeys. At PPS, we believe success is better, shared, and supporting career development helps employees create truly remarkable professional experiences.
FACT BOX:
Key considerations for graduate professionals when mapping a career path
• Define your long-term vision: What will success look like for you in five, 10 or 20 years? Having a clear vision helps guide decisionmaking and career moves.
• Invest in continuous learning: Staying relevant in a rapidly evolving world requires ongoing education through formal studies, certifications or industry workshops.
• Develop transferable skills: Beyond technical expertise, focus on leadership, adaptability and problem-solving skills that will serve you in various roles.
• Seek mentors and role models: Learning from others’ experiences can provide valuable insights and open new opportunities.
• Take ownership of your growth: Actively seek challenges, request feedback and advocate for yourself in career discussions.
• Embrace change and adaptability: Career paths are rarely linear, so be open to unexpected opportunities that align with your overall goals.
• Build a professional network: Relationships with colleagues, industry professionals and mentors can lead to career growth and new opportunities.
• Maintain work-life balance: Success is not just about career achievements; ensure your journey aligns with your values and personal fulfillment.
Masenyane Molefe
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