Getting StartedEmployee Lifecycle

Employee Lifecycle Management

Master the complete employee journey from recruitment to retirement. Learn best practices for each stage of the employee lifecycle in South African businesses.

Employee Lifecycle Stages

Recruitment & Selection

Finding and selecting the right candidates

2-8 weeks

Key Activities

  • Job analysis and role definition
  • Posting job advertisements
  • Screening and interviewing candidates
  • Reference and background checks
  • Job offer and contract negotiation

SA Considerations

  • Employment Equity Act compliance
  • Skills Development Act requirements
  • Labour Relations Act adherence
  • Basic Conditions of Employment Act

Expected Outcomes

Successful candidate selection and job offer acceptance

Onboarding

Integrating new employees into the organization

1-6 months

Key Activities

  • Pre-boarding preparation
  • First day orientation
  • Documentation completion
  • Training and development programs
  • Buddy/mentor assignment

SA Considerations

  • UIF registration
  • Tax number verification
  • Medical aid enrollment
  • Provident fund setup

Expected Outcomes

Productive, engaged employee ready to contribute

Development & Growth

Continuous learning and career advancement

Ongoing

Key Activities

  • Skills assessment and gap analysis
  • Training and development programs
  • Career planning and progression
  • Performance feedback and coaching
  • Internal mobility opportunities

SA Considerations

  • Skills Development Levy utilization
  • SETA requirements compliance
  • Employment Equity advancement
  • Workplace Skills Plan alignment

Expected Outcomes

Enhanced capabilities and career progression

Performance Management

Managing and optimizing employee performance

Continuous

Key Activities

  • Goal setting and objective alignment
  • Regular performance reviews
  • Feedback and recognition programs
  • Performance improvement plans
  • Compensation reviews

SA Considerations

  • Labour Relations Act compliance
  • Disciplinary procedures
  • CCMA requirements
  • Fair labour practices

Expected Outcomes

High performance and employee satisfaction

Retention & Engagement

Keeping valuable employees motivated and committed

Ongoing

Key Activities

  • Employee satisfaction surveys
  • Recognition and reward programs
  • Work-life balance initiatives
  • Career development opportunities
  • Competitive compensation reviews

SA Considerations

  • Employment equity monitoring
  • Skills development opportunities
  • Fair labour practices
  • Workplace diversity and inclusion

Expected Outcomes

Low turnover and high employee engagement

Transition & Offboarding

Managing employee departures professionally

2-4 weeks

Key Activities

  • Resignation or termination processing
  • Knowledge transfer and handover
  • Asset return and access revocation
  • Final pay calculation
  • Exit interviews and feedback

SA Considerations

  • Notice period requirements
  • Final pay calculations
  • UIF claim assistance
  • Certificate of service

Expected Outcomes

Smooth transition and positive employer brand

Best Practices by Stage

Recruitment

  • Use structured interview processes
  • Implement blind recruitment where possible
  • Verify qualifications and references
  • Consider cultural fit alongside skills

Onboarding

  • Create comprehensive onboarding checklists
  • Assign mentors or buddies
  • Provide clear role expectations
  • Schedule regular check-ins

Development

  • Conduct regular skills assessments
  • Create individual development plans
  • Provide learning opportunities
  • Support career progression

Performance

  • Set SMART goals and objectives
  • Provide regular feedback
  • Document performance issues
  • Recognize and reward achievements

Retention

  • Conduct stay interviews
  • Offer competitive compensation
  • Provide growth opportunities
  • Foster positive work culture

Offboarding

  • Follow proper legal procedures
  • Ensure knowledge transfer
  • Conduct exit interviews
  • Maintain positive relationships

South African Legislation Impact

LegislationImpactLifecycle Relevance
Basic Conditions of Employment ActDefines minimum employment conditions, working hours, and leave entitlementsApplies throughout the entire employee lifecycle
Labour Relations ActGoverns employment relationships, disciplinary procedures, and terminationsCritical for performance management and offboarding
Employment Equity ActPromotes equal opportunity and affirmative actionInfluences recruitment, development, and progression
Skills Development ActMandates skills development and trainingShapes development and growth strategies

Key Performance Metrics

Time to Productivity

How quickly new employees become fully productive

Target
60-90 days for most roles
Measurement
Manager assessment + KPI achievement

Employee Retention Rate

Percentage of employees retained over a period

Target
>85% annually
Measurement
(Employees at end - new hires) / employees at start

Employee Satisfaction Score

Overall employee happiness and engagement

Target
>80% positive
Measurement
Regular surveys and feedback sessions

Internal Promotion Rate

Percentage of positions filled internally

Target
>60% for senior roles
Measurement
Internal hires / total hires

Key Insights

Investment in Onboarding

Effective onboarding can improve employee retention by up to 82% and productivity by over 70%.

  • Reduces time to productivity
  • Improves job satisfaction
  • Strengthens company culture

Continuous Development

Organizations with strong learning cultures are 92% more likely to develop novel products and processes.

  • Increases employee engagement
  • Improves succession planning
  • Enhances competitiveness

Related Topics

Optimize Your Employee Lifecycle

PayMax helps you manage every stage of the employee lifecycle with integrated HRIS, performance management, and compliance tools.