McKay Bushman’s Post

Connection, contribution and community. All start from a conversation and taking up opportunities. This week I had the opportunity reconnect and further conversation with Dr. Shwetha Shankar and Antony Gaddie to understand more of what drives them ..................... Do you struggle to start a conversation with new people? Three tips 1. Ask open questions 2. Be curious and interested and develop the conversation 3. Plan, prepare and follow-up conversations, because that's where magic can happen

Did you know that 85% of employees favour recognition over traditional bonuses? 🤔 It's true! This Christmas, it's time to rethink how we show appreciation. Enter Fizz Rewards—your ultimate tool for heartfelt recognition. Why Choose Fizz Rewards? - Emotional Impact: Meaningful rewards create lasting memories and boost morale. - The Choice: Fizz Rewards puts the option in the employees hand on how they choose to use their reward, making it more personalised than anything else. 🎁 It's not just about the gifts—it's about the recognition. So, CEOs and COOs, are you ready to join the 85% and transform your reward strategy? This festive season, let's celebrate our teams in a way that truly matters! 🌟 #EmployeeRecognition #FizzRewards #ChristmasCheers

As we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the people who make our celebrations memorable. Whether you’re out at a grand event or enjoying the comfort of home, there’s always someone behind the scenes making it special. 1. If you’re catching a ride with a cab or delivery driver tonight, take a moment to thank them and wish them a Happy New Year. They’re working hard to keep your night running smoothly. 2. For those dining out tonight, don’t forget to show appreciation to the restaurant staff. Their dedication adds flavor to your celebrations. 3. If you’re at a live event or concert, give a cheer for the performers, organizers, and crew. They’ve worked tirelessly to create a night to remember. 4. Spending the evening at a cozy Airbnb or hotel? A thank-you note or kind words for the staff can make their day. They’re ensuring your comfort. 5. For those enjoying fireworks or public festivities, remember to thank the organizers and volunteers. They made the magic happen for everyone. 6. If your party is full of amazing snacks and drinks, give a shoutout to the stores and suppliers who helped make your night special. 7. Dancing the night away with a DJ or live band? Don’t forget to thank them—they set the tone for your celebration. 8. If you’re spending the evening on a video call with loved ones far away, take a moment to thank them for staying connected and making time. 9. Hosting a New Year’s gathering? Don’t forget to thank the people who helped set up, bring food, or clean up. Teamwork makes the celebration shine. 10. For those taking a quiet moment of reflection, thank yourself for all you’ve achieved this year and the resilience that brought you here. Celebrate your growth. Let’s step into 2025 with gratitude in our hearts, kindness in our actions, and appreciation for everyone who adds a little extra sparkle to our lives. Wishing you all a joyful, prosperous, and meaningful New Year! #HappyNewYear

Want a glimpse into what it's really like to work at BISTEC Global? It's not all just work! We value teamwork, fun, and making a positive impact. See what it's like to be a part of it in our video! 👇 #lifeatbistec #bistecglobal #reshare

I hate to be the one already thinking about Christmas, but with the festive season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to show your appreciation to your employees! 🎁 As we near the end of the year, it’s crucial to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of your teams. At Perkbox, we’ve put together a guide to help you make this holiday season extra special, even if your workforce is spread across multiple locations. From festive treats and personalised experiences to virtual celebrations, there are countless ways to boost morale and show your team that they truly matter. ❤️ Check out our guide on rewarding your team this festive season for some inspiring ideas. 🎅 #EmployeeEngagement #EmployeeRewards #FestiveSeason #Perkbox #CompanyCulture #EmployeeAppreciation

Those of us choosing less booze or no booze are not often thoughtfully catered for at rural events, conferences, footy clubs, picnics, weddings, functions (etc etc) - and this is something SITC is working hard to change nationally. Whether we are non-drinkers, or we are social drinkers who enjoy one or two and that’s enough … there’s rarely much choice on offer other than copious booze or sugary soft drinks … or maybe a teabag in the corner with some lukewarm water 🤪 Happily, progressive organisations and leaders who are making these overdue and basic changes always share the most amazing feedback with us that when beautifully presented *healthy and tasty* alternatives are offered, they’re swamped and sell out very quickly. So whether you’ve got a conference coming up or you’re just hosting a cut-out party down the back sheds - please consider being truly thoughtful with your drinks options ☺️ - and watch what happens !! And as always - the hugest shoutout of gratitude to those doing this already and helping us be the change 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼 We cannot appreciate you all enough!

It’s “Taco Tuesday”! It is not. It is not donuts, pizza, granola bars, Skittles, or birthday mini bundt cake day. “Skip the gift cards, pizza parties and focus on what moves the needle on employee engagement and retention.” (Whistle, via web, 2024). I have had experiences of managers being out of touch with what employees would want: That banner on the gate to the plant, stating, “we appreciate you!” Empty, in a year of negotiations, that one fell flat, disengenuous. It worked out west at a small plant, where people ate outside together and there was a different sense of what team was. Don’t “rinse - repeat” what others do. Won’t work! Extravagant BBQs - leave the tongs at home. Many people have dietary restrictions. This goes for pizza, donuts, nuts, candy, animal crackers… Meals are not motivators. What does your commitment to well being say? Does this counter it? A team taking a member out for birthday lunch is a little different. From time to time, nice to get out and everyone can order what they want, team decided, team sponsored. Bringing dogs to work day - nice to have my furry friend around, but the Operations folks cannot do this. It separates people into “can because I have an office job” and “cannots”. Maybe intentions were good. Wasn’t at the Co. when this one was planned but heard about it, for many moons after. My father in law returned to work for someone he worked for previously and admired. The owner paid annual bonuses to top performers, took them and a significant other to lunch and wrote them a check, a pretty significant one. Newly acquired as a business, leaders sent him a box of bundt cakes for recognition (retail value: $125, I looked). Missed the mark! While this is a much different sum than before, cash is king. Pay the $$, and gross up! Value people, their individualism. Ask how they want to be recognized, appreciated, get to know them, what makes them tick. It is called employee “engagement”. Engage. Take the time. What does it feel like to be on the other side of you? Go make tacos for dinner tonight. (BTW, this is Old Pueblo Grill in #ROC, 3 for $15.)

We want to throw ONE lucky company the ULTIMATE Christmas party... 🎅🏽 At Mixtons we're all about turning the mundane into the memorable, whether it's what your drinking or how you're socialising. Let's face it, Christmas parties are often bland. You either; - 🥱 Have a 'team lunch' in the office, stood around awkwardly eating picnic food from paper plates whilst trying to interact with Sally from finance who hasn't spoken to anyone all year. - 🙃 Go for a 'team dinner' which ends up in a sh*t club at 3am with your Ops Director buying everyone far too many tequila shots and trying to impress the young people with his terrible worm dance. - 💰 Get told that 'Due to financial performance, there will be no party this year'... by your boss who drives a Jaguar F-Type to work. F*ck off! We're here to save you from the predictable. Our offer; - 📆 You choose a date and a time-window, we'll be there - 🎵 We bring our DJ set up to your office, and invite 2 of our finest DJ's to spin records all night. -🍸 We provide all the cocktails you ever need for the night. Just don't give them to your Ops Director. - 📸 We capture the moment and share it, giving your company some promotion. Doesn't matter how big or small your team is; we'll be choosing one at random! Preferably within an hour of London... but it's not a limiter 👀 Comment below your company (make sure you've checked with HR first) for a chance!

🎵🎶🎸🤘Quality culture is so much more fun when everyone sings along! Spent last night with one of my favorite quality professionals, Julia Bränholm, singing and dancing to Johnossi, celebrating the close of a successful week for both us. Wanna pump energy into your company and start a quality party locally? 🎉 Reach out to me or one of my amazing friends at #GBAKey2Compliance to learn how! www.key2compliance.com 🤩🕺

It's Year End Party Time once again. As a People & Culture Business Partner I would be actively involved in the planning and organizing this event. Here are some key areas to focus on: 1. Budget - How best can we maximize available funds. Negotiating with service providers and ensuring that we stay within budget. 2. Venue - How central and accessible. Is there enough and safe parking. 3. Dietary Requirements - Ensure variety of meals and drinks according to the RSVP notes. 4. Entertainment - Brief all key role players ahead of time, have the best MC. Ensure we accommodate our diverse crowd in terms of music, share crowd profile with our DJs relevant music playlist. Have a theme and prices for e.g. best dressed. 5. Transport - If not provided by the organisation, encourage attendees to make means for travel on time. Alcohol consumption limits driving ability. Have an idea how many will request Uber. Check if there is enough network of Uber cars around venue location, especially when multiple requests happen at the same time. 6. Follow through - Encourage managers to check up on their respective staff if arrived home safely. Other Teams prefer to have recognition awards during this event. I don't have a problem with it, but I always caution leaders in that this celebration is about everyone. No group of people should feel more special than the other. In my view Recognition Awards are best held separately from this event. For more insights and tips, please don't hesitate to email me on zamanibhengu@gmail.com / +27717119063 #YearEndParty #EventPlanning #PeopleCulture #EmployeeEngagement #PeopleAndCulture #EmployeeOnboarding #WorkplaceSuccess #EmployeeSatisfaction #hr