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Resources
E-BOOKS
100 African proverbs
African proverbs have a way of weaving themselves into us. They are powerful communicators. They warn. They guide. They comfort and encourage. They inspire.
This book is an overwhelming response to a LinkedIn post. People resonated deeply, and shared their favourites, and out of this generosity came a tapestry of wisdom: a blend of timeless truths, some familiar, others entirely new. Each was enriched by the personal reflections of those who contributed – what the words mean to them, and the lessons they lived through them.
Purpose
Purpose matters. So does meaning. Which is why bringing purpose and meaning to work have been 'hot topics' in organisations over
the past few years.
Our inspirational e-book brings together a powerful collection of insights and inspiring quotes on both.
APPRECIATION CARDS
Appreciation Cards for Women's Month
Are there women in your work environment that you value or hold in high esteem? Then use these cards to encourage them to keep shining. Click on the image to enlarge and then select the download arrow (top left) to download it.
Showing love in Valentine’s Month
Share these special messages with your team to put a spotlight on the attitudes and behaviours that you would like to see more of. Click on the image to enlarge and then select the download arrow (top left) to download it.
Appreciation Cards
Appreciation cards for appreciation month (March) and every month
A selection of inspiring Appreciation Cards to share. Download and share with deserving colleagues to show your appreciation for their hard work and outstanding qualities. Click on the image to enlarge and then select the download arrow (top left) to download it.
RESOURCES
Women Empowerment & Leadership
Why fixing the ‘broken rung’ is the smartest talent decision you’ll make this year.
RESOURCES
Connecting Times
How VKB and Sea Harvest are 'plugging in'
When we talk about engagement, we often focus on business metrics: productivity, retention and profitability. While these matter deeply, the real magic happens when transformation extends beyond the factory floor into people's homes, families and communities.
VKB Group and Sea Harvest are winning in both arenas because they understand a fundamental truth: culture isn't a nice-to-have. It's the plug point that connects everything.
VKB Group and Sea Harvest are winning in both arenas because they understand a fundamental truth: culture isn't a nice-to-have. It's the plug point that connects everything.
Strengthening 3 facets of wellbeing
While Mental Health is sometimes seen as a singular issue, it is profoundly influenced by a complex interplay of emotional, financial and relational factors. These three pillars do not exist in isolation; they are deeply interconnected and form the foundation of an individual's overall resilience and stability. When one pillar is weakened, it puts strain on the others, creating a cycle that can lead to significant mental health challenges. Conversely, strengthening each of these areas builds a more robust and resilient person, better equipped to handle life's inevitable ups and downs.
Our October Connecting Times explores 3 vital facets of wellbeing: Emotional, Financial and Relational and how you can empower your employees with practical skills to strengthen each.
Our October Connecting Times explores 3 vital facets of wellbeing: Emotional, Financial and Relational and how you can empower your employees with practical skills to strengthen each.
Six secrets to sustaining learning & growth
Meaningful growth doesn’t come from quick fixes or once-off events, but from a process of planting, nurturing and sustaining learning over time. People need more than exposure to skills or inspiring moments—they need an environment and ongoing nourishment that helps new mindsets and behaviours take root.
That’s why our programmes are designed not only to touch hearts and open minds in the moment, but also to embed learning in ways that continue to grow - echoing the wisdom: "It's not what you pour into people, but what you PLANT in them that matters."
That’s why our programmes are designed not only to touch hearts and open minds in the moment, but also to embed learning in ways that continue to grow - echoing the wisdom: "It's not what you pour into people, but what you PLANT in them that matters."
Beyond Women's Month - Are your women Thriving?
This Women's Month we're celebrating the potential of women in the workplace.
We want to celebrate women who stand strong in their values and seize opportunities for growth. Let's focus on empowering women in the workplace to not just grow - - but to thrive. By providing the right environment and resources, we can help them stand tall, share their knowledge and support those around them.
We want to celebrate women who stand strong in their values and seize opportunities for growth. Let's focus on empowering women in the workplace to not just grow - - but to thrive. By providing the right environment and resources, we can help them stand tall, share their knowledge and support those around them.
Where is the weakest link in your leadership?
The strength of your organisation is often determined by its weakest link. In the complex chain of command, there's a critical segment that is frequently overlooked, yet holds immense power to drive or derail your success: your first-line leaders.
The good news is that this critical challenge presents an immense opportunity. By strategically investing in your frontline leaders, you can transform this weak link into your strongest asset.
The good news is that this critical challenge presents an immense opportunity. By strategically investing in your frontline leaders, you can transform this weak link into your strongest asset.
Do your employees see work as a gift?
Or do they see it as a burden to be 'endured' to meet their basic needs.
The profound human needs for belonging and purpose often go unmet, creating a gap that impacts their individual wellbeing, engagement and commitment to the organisation's purpose. When work is a burden, discretionary effort is rare and the habit of blaming and criticizing management for all problems, common.
Fostering a workplace where every employee feels valued, connected and understands their contribution is a strategic imperative for sustained success.
The profound human needs for belonging and purpose often go unmet, creating a gap that impacts their individual wellbeing, engagement and commitment to the organisation's purpose. When work is a burden, discretionary effort is rare and the habit of blaming and criticizing management for all problems, common.
Fostering a workplace where every employee feels valued, connected and understands their contribution is a strategic imperative for sustained success.
Accelerating the development of women
This International Women's Month, let's explore how you can move beyond intention to 'Accelerate Action' by focusing on the critical first steps in women's development.
Many organisations recognise the need for more women in leadership, but often overlook the pivotal early stages. This is where potential is either nurtured or lost. Imagine the benefits to your talent pipeline if you could unlock the untapped potential of your women - starting at the foundation?
Many organisations recognise the need for more women in leadership, but often overlook the pivotal early stages. This is where potential is either nurtured or lost. Imagine the benefits to your talent pipeline if you could unlock the untapped potential of your women - starting at the foundation?
A gift of appreciation for you to share
As human beings, we have an innate desire to feel valued by others.
In our workplaces, compensation and benefits are important, but - they aren't the sole drivers of employee satisfaction and engagement. A powerful, often overlooked factor is the consistent expression of appreciation and recognition.
In our workplaces, compensation and benefits are important, but - they aren't the sole drivers of employee satisfaction and engagement. A powerful, often overlooked factor is the consistent expression of appreciation and recognition.
The secrets behind 30 successful years
For three decades, Free To Grow has partnered with visionary leaders to enhance employee wellbeing, foster growth and deepen engagement in organisations and communities.
At the heart of this journey is Alinda Nortje, whose dream of bringing healing and hope to workplaces and communities has shaped the essence of Free To Grow.
Alinda's unwavering belief in the potential of people, combined with her strategic insight and passion, has transformed that dream into a thriving organisation.
At the heart of this journey is Alinda Nortje, whose dream of bringing healing and hope to workplaces and communities has shaped the essence of Free To Grow.
Alinda's unwavering belief in the potential of people, combined with her strategic insight and passion, has transformed that dream into a thriving organisation.
Mosaic: Mix & Match short growth sessions
Are you looking for a flexible, impactful learning solution that's tailored to fit your needs - whether for a special event, such as wellbeing month, targeted groups, or a strategic focus like inclusion and belonging or developing your leaders?
Free To Grow's innovative Mosaic short sessions allow you to 'mix & match' to create your own beautiful 'pattern' of learning experiences.
Free To Grow's innovative Mosaic short sessions allow you to 'mix & match' to create your own beautiful 'pattern' of learning experiences.
What picture are your employees seeing?
If first-line leaders are the window through which employees view the organisation - what picture are your employees seeing?
First-line leaders play a significant role in the success and effectiveness of their teams. They shape the experiences, beliefs and behaviours of the people they lead - and directly determine their engagement levels.
First-line leaders play a significant role in the success and effectiveness of their teams. They shape the experiences, beliefs and behaviours of the people they lead - and directly determine their engagement levels.
4 C's for Engaging Employees
Imagine if a highly engaged workforce was your competitive edge? If all your employees were 'on board' and padding with all their energy towards a common destination?
Our September edition of Connecting Times shares the current reality, how you can shift this and an invitation to learn how Tiger Brands are doing this.
Our September edition of Connecting Times shares the current reality, how you can shift this and an invitation to learn how Tiger Brands are doing this.
4 Inspiring stories of Women Breaking Barriers
Women today are more ambitious than ever, with their representation in the C-Suite at an all-time high. However, the most significant hurdle women face is not the glass ceiling but the 'broken rung' at the first critical step up to manager.
This month's Connecting Times shares an invitation to a Webinar in which 4 inspiring women will be sharing insights into how they have Stepped Out to Step Up in their leadership journeys.
This month's Connecting Times shares an invitation to a Webinar in which 4 inspiring women will be sharing insights into how they have Stepped Out to Step Up in their leadership journeys.
Woolworths' leader-led approach to Staying Strong
Woolworths SA has a remarkable story. Their core values are deeply rooted in quality and caring for others.
Recognising the need to support their employees to ensure that they felt valued and cared for, they selected Staying Strong, Free To Grow's wellbeing programme, to empower their people.
Recognising the need to support their employees to ensure that they felt valued and cared for, they selected Staying Strong, Free To Grow's wellbeing programme, to empower their people.
The impact of living your Purpose
Purpose matters. It is not a nice to have. It is at the core of everything we do. Meaning, however, is different - its what we need to feel fulfilled.
Purpose and meaning are big topics. This month's Connecting Times is filled with insights, a beautiful e-book to download and a special invitation.
Purpose and meaning are big topics. This month's Connecting Times is filled with insights, a beautiful e-book to download and a special invitation.
3 Keys to unlocking workplace wellbeing
Many managers are caught between blame and burnout. They play a pivotal role in employee wellbeing, but are struggling to provide the support their teams need.
As the crucial link to employee engagement and wellbeing, they are often not given the tools, support and empowerment they need to take accountability for the wellbeing of their people.
As the crucial link to employee engagement and wellbeing, they are often not given the tools, support and empowerment they need to take accountability for the wellbeing of their people.
Connecting Times March 2024
While generational jokes abound, there are some interesting facts worth noting as they have a significant impact on talent acquisition, engagement and retention.
As Gen Z, born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, step into the workforce they are bringing unique perspectives that are reshaping traditional approaches to employee wellbeing, engagement and productivity.
Top Wellbeing Priorities:
Wellbeing is a top priority for this generation who take a more holistic view encompassing physical, emotional and mental health. According to McKinsey, 76% of Gen Zs place significant emphasis on mental health support in the workplace.
Unlike their predecessors, they prioritise work-life balance from the onset of their careers.
Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options and flexible hours, are highly valued by this generation, allowing them to integrate personal passions and responsibilities into their professional lives.
As Gen Z, born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, step into the workforce they are bringing unique perspectives that are reshaping traditional approaches to employee wellbeing, engagement and productivity.
Top Wellbeing Priorities:
Wellbeing is a top priority for this generation who take a more holistic view encompassing physical, emotional and mental health. According to McKinsey, 76% of Gen Zs place significant emphasis on mental health support in the workplace.
Unlike their predecessors, they prioritise work-life balance from the onset of their careers.
Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options and flexible hours, are highly valued by this generation, allowing them to integrate personal passions and responsibilities into their professional lives.
Connecting Times Feb 2024
"The wealthiest place in the world is not the diamond mines of South Africa or the banks of the world. It is the cemetery.
In the cemetery is buried the greatest treasure of untapped potential."
This quote by Myles Munroe set the scene for Ruby Motleheloa's (Heineken Beverages, moving opening address at the Free To Grow Pearl Anniversary Conference.
In the cemetery is buried the greatest treasure of untapped potential."
This quote by Myles Munroe set the scene for Ruby Motleheloa's (Heineken Beverages, moving opening address at the Free To Grow Pearl Anniversary Conference.
Connecting Times - December 2023
The end of the year is upon us. For some, it's the most wonderful time of the year. For others, it's exceptionally challenging with increased levels of stress and anxiety, deadlines and feeling overwhelmed. As it is, work-related stress and burnout continue to grow and too many employees who need care and support are going without it.
Despite their best intentions, many leaders feel ill equipped to support and enhance the wellbeing of their teams.
Read on for more on our contribution and an achievement we are extremely proud of.
Despite their best intentions, many leaders feel ill equipped to support and enhance the wellbeing of their teams.
Read on for more on our contribution and an achievement we are extremely proud of.
Connecting Times - November 2023
Many organisations and leaders believe that driving engagement creates a thriving culture. This is indeed so. Yet, attempting to achieve high levels of Employee Engagement while Employee Wellbeing is crumbling, is not possible.
Free To Grow has an innovative approach to helping organisations enhance wellbeing, engagement and their culture.
Free To Grow has an innovative approach to helping organisations enhance wellbeing, engagement and their culture.
Connecting Times - October 2023
October is World Mental Health Awareness month and an ideal time to turn up the spotlight on mental health and wellbeing. Since 2019, employers have increasingly experienced the extent of wellbeing challenges at work.
Fast forward to 2023, and the stats from Gallup's latest State of the Global Workplace Report uncovers some startling facts about how employees are faring at work and in their personal lives.
Fast forward to 2023, and the stats from Gallup's latest State of the Global Workplace Report uncovers some startling facts about how employees are faring at work and in their personal lives.
Connecting Times - September 2023
If frontline leaders are the window through which employees view the organisation - what are your employees seeing?
Gallup's most profound finding -- ever -- is probably this: 70% of the variance in team engagement is determined solely by the manager. Frontline managers, in particular, are the most crucial lever when it comes to engaging employees. When managers are burned out and disengaged, companywide performance suffers. But when manager engagement is high, business success soars.
It's been estimated that frontline leaders typically make up 50-60% of an organisation's management and directly supervise up to 80% of the workforce. They have a profound impact on engagement as they shape the experiences, beliefs and behaviours of the people they lead. Sadly, the realities and skillsets of many frontline leaders are far from ideal.
Gallup's most profound finding -- ever -- is probably this: 70% of the variance in team engagement is determined solely by the manager. Frontline managers, in particular, are the most crucial lever when it comes to engaging employees. When managers are burned out and disengaged, companywide performance suffers. But when manager engagement is high, business success soars.
It's been estimated that frontline leaders typically make up 50-60% of an organisation's management and directly supervise up to 80% of the workforce. They have a profound impact on engagement as they shape the experiences, beliefs and behaviours of the people they lead. Sadly, the realities and skillsets of many frontline leaders are far from ideal.
Connecting Times - August 2023
In the ongoing battle for talent, achieving gender equality has become an increasingly critical goal for companies. The demand for better work experiences and opportunities from women is unprecedented, leading to a surge in women leaders seeking new career opportunities. This exodus of women leaders could have severe implications for businesses already grappling with a gender gap in leadership.
Connecting Times – July 2023
The World Economic Forum's latest 'Future of Jobs' report reveals the top 10 most in-demand job skills.
Based on a survey of 803 companies in 27 industry clusters in 45 different economies - executives predict that 44% of employees' skill sets may require updating by 2027.
Based on a survey of 803 companies in 27 industry clusters in 45 different economies - executives predict that 44% of employees' skill sets may require updating by 2027.
Connecting Times – April 2023
Employee Wellbeing is one of the top business priorities in 2023 shares Business Day Live. Forbes also paces concerns about human health first in their analysis of the 2023 workplace and speaks to the growing challenge of Leadership and HR burnout.
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