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27% of Our Turnover, Given Back

Every year, we ask ourselves a simple question: If openHR exists to dignify work, how do we dignify the world around that work? This year, the answer was clear. We donated 27% of our turnover to evidence‑based, high‑impact charities - organisations that don’t just do good, but prove it. read more


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Collaborator Premium Hub

Unlock Exclusive Benefits with openHR's Collaborator Premium Hub   Calling all professional service providers! openHR is excited to introduce the Collaborator Premium Hub, an exclusive initiative designed to help you elevate your services while making openHR even better.   🚀 What is the Collaborator Premium Hub?   This premium offering grants professional service providers free access to all openHR+ functions for the current financial year. But that’s not all—we're also removing the footer that states “Generated for free using openHR HR and Payroll”, so all openHR professional documents can be presented as your own. This way, you strengthen the trust... read more

April 10, 2025

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Your April Updates Are Ready

Exciting Enhancements in openHR – Designed for a Smoother Experience!   At openHR, we’re committed to continuously improving your experience by refining features to make your workflow smoother and more efficient. We’re thrilled to introduce new updates that streamline payroll management, reporting, and data handling. Here's what’s new:   🚀 Enhanced EMP201 Management You can now only delete the latest EMP201 submission, ensuring accuracy and preventing accidental removals of historical data.   🖨️ Print with Ease A new Print button has been added! It allows you to print only the items currently loaded on the page. Need more? Simply click... read more

April 5, 2025

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April's Fool

April Fool's in the workplace can be a bit of a mixed bag, can’t it? On one hand, it’s a chance to lighten the mood, break the monotony, and maybe even build some camaraderie with a well-executed, harmless prank—like swapping out the office coffee with decaf and watching everyone yawn through the morning.   A little humour can humanise a sterile environment, especially in high-stress jobs. Studies have shown that playful workplaces often see boosts in creativity and morale, so there’s something to be said for a bit of mischief.   On the flip side, it’s a minefield if you... read more

March 31, 2025

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Preparing for Financial Year-End

As the financial year-end approaches, payroll and HR professionals have a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth transition and accurate reporting. It's a busy period that requires meticulous planning and attention to detail. Here are some practical steps to help you better prepare and navigate the financial year-end with confidence.   1. Review and Reconcile Payroll Records   Start by conducting a thorough review and reconciliation of all payroll records. This includes checking for any discrepancies in employee data, ensuring that all wages, bonuses, and benefits have been accurately recorded, and confirming that tax withholdings and contributions are correctly calculated.... read more

February 28, 2025

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VAT Increase and Employees

The recent announcement by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana of a 2% increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) has sent ripples through the South African economy. While there was a small adjustment to personal income tax rates, it falls short of offsetting the inflationary pressures and the impact of the VAT hike. This blog post explores how this change will affect employees and the overall cost of living in South Africa.   Impact on Employees   The increase in VAT means that the cost of goods and services will rise, directly affecting employees' disposable income. Even with the slight adjustment to... read more

February 19, 2025

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Walking is the New Sitting

Traditional meetings held in stuffy conference rooms are so yesterday. Enter the walking meeting: an innovative approach that combines the necessity of work discussions with the benefits of physical activity. Walking meetings are not only a refreshing change of pace but also a powerful tool for boosting creativity, productivity, and team well-being. Here's why you should consider incorporating walking meetings into your work routine.   1. Enhanced Creativity and Problem-Solving   Numerous studies have shown that walking can significantly enhance creative thinking and problem-solving skills. The change of scenery and the act of moving can stimulate new ideas and fresh... read more

February 7, 2025

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New Minimum Wage

New Minimum Wage in South Africa: Key Details   The South African government has recently announced an increase in the National Minimum Wage (NMW), effective from March 1, 2025. The new minimum wage has been adjusted from R27.58 to R28.79 per hour, marking a 4.4% increase. This adjustment aims to address the rising cost of living.   Key Points of the New Minimum Wage   • Increased Rate: The NMW has been increased to R28.79 per hour for all workers, including domestic and farm workers.   • Expanded Public Works Programme: Workers on this program will receive a minimum wage... read more

February 5, 2025

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Change is Coming

Navigating Smooth Transitions in Management Roles and Major Policy Changes: An HR Perspective   In today's dynamic business environment, changes in management roles and company policies are inevitable. While these transitions can create uncertainty, HR departments play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth process. Here are essential steps that HR professionals can take to facilitate seamless transitions in management roles and major policy changes within an organisation:   1. Communication is Key   Effective communication is the cornerstone of a smooth transition. HR should develop a comprehensive communication plan to inform employees about upcoming changes. This plan should include... read more

January 20, 2025

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Always In-Laws

Why Your Mother-in-Law Might Just Love openHR   Managing payroll and HR tasks can be a daunting task, but openHR makes it a breeze with its impressive suite of features. Whether you're a small business owner or an HR professional, openHR offers a fully free and unlimited platform that even your mother-in-law might find herself praising.   Easy-to-Use Features   One of the standout features of openHR is its user-friendly interface. From creating payslips to managing leave applications, everything is designed to be intuitive and straightforward. The platform supports unlimited users, companies, and employees, making it a versatile tool for... read more

January 10, 2025

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Employee Advances

A Guide for Employers and How openHR Can Help in Januworry   The holiday season in South Africa brings joy and celebration, but it also brings financial challenges for many employees. With the long gap between payday in December and payday in January, it's no surprise that the demand for employee loans, also known as employee advances, spikes dramatically in January. While these advances can provide crucial support for employees, they also pose risks and administrative burdens for employers. Fortunately, openHR, South Africa's free payroll and HR software, offers a streamlined solution to manage these challenges effectively.   The January... read more

January 8, 2025

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Best Free Payroll & HR Software

Why openHR is the Best Free Payroll and HR Software in South Africa openHR is proud to be a South African product with humble beginnings. When you use our software with ease, we want you to feel like you are eating your most favourite South African rusks that gives you that warm feeling of being in your ouma's kitchen. We want you to experience that comforting feeling when using our software. You can also use our software on your phone in your ouma's kitchen while eating rusks.   GET UNLIMITED COMPANIES, EMPLOYEES AND PAYSLIPS NOW FOR FREE In today's fast-paced... read more

January 2, 2025

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Free Payroll Software South Africa

Discover the ultimate HR and payroll solution with openHR, the proudly South African web app designed to revolutionise how you manage your business. openHR offers a comprehensive suite of free features that streamline and simplify your HR processes, ensuring you stay compliant and efficient.   With unlimited users, you can add as many team members as you need to manage your HR processes, all from a single platform.   Create and manage unlimited companies, allowing you to handle multiple business entities effortlessly without any restrictions.   Enjoy the flexibility of unlimited employees, ensuring that no matter how large your workforce... read more

December 26, 2024

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Demographics Report

Introducing the New Demographics Report in openHR   We are excited to announce a powerful new feature available on openHR, our comprehensive HR management web app. Designed exclusively for South African businesses, openHR is now equipped with a dynamic Demographics Report, aimed at providing invaluable insights and aiding compliance with Department of Labour filings.   Track Employee Demographics with Ease   The new Demographics Report offers a detailed view of employee demographic shifts over time, showcasing changes in race and gender through an easy-to-understand line chart. This year-to-year comparison is an essential tool for larger companies, facilitating accurate and efficient... read more

December 21, 2024

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AI is coming

We are thrilled to announce an exciting new feature that will revolutionise the way you manage organisational structures within your company. On December 14, 2024, openHR will be launching AI-assisted organograms, designed to simplify, and enhance the creation of organisational charts with a single click.   Effortless Organisation   With the power of AI, creating an organogram has never been easier. Our AI-assisted feature allows users to generate comprehensive and accurate organisational charts with just one click. This innovative tool leverages artificial intelligence to automatically design the layout, displaying your company's structure in a clear and visually appealing way.  ... read more

December 5, 2024

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Employee Information Sheets

Streamlining Employee Onboarding with openHR Efficient onboarding is crucial for setting new employees up for success. At openHR, we understand the importance of a smooth and comprehensive onboarding process, which is why we've introduced standard employee information forms that simplify the process for both HR departments and new hires. Simplified Onboarding Process Our standard employee information forms are designed to gather all the necessary details in one place. These forms are printable for free, allowing new employees to complete them at their convenience. This not only saves time but also ensures that all required information is collected accurately. Unique and... read more

November 26, 2024

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Tracking Company Assets

Simplified with openHR   In any organisation, keeping track of company assets used by employees is crucial for maintaining accountability, ensuring efficient operations, and preventing losses. Whether it's laptops, smartphones, vehicles, or specialised equipment, knowing who has what, where it is, and its condition can save businesses time and money.   Why Asset Tracking Matters   1. Accountability: When employees know that assets are being tracked, they are more likely to take better care of them. This reduces the risk of damage or loss. 2. Efficiency: Quick access to asset information helps in efficient allocation and utilisation. It ensures that... read more

November 21, 2024

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Automatic Contract Generator

This year, Christmas came before Black Friday at openHR! We are thrilled to announce our latest feature that promises to revolutionise your HR processes: the Automatic Employee Contract Generator. This innovative tool is designed to streamline the creation of employee contracts, making it easier and faster than ever before.   What Makes This Feature Special?   Our Automatic Employee Contract Generator is not just any ordinary tool. It includes the automatic replacement of 80 employee and company variables, such as names, appointment dates, job titles, and much more. This means you can generate personalised and accurate contracts in a matter... read more

November 20, 2024

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Automated Birthday Emails

In the hustle and bustle of daily operations, it's easy to overlook the small gestures that can make a big difference in the workplace. One such gesture is remembering and celebrating employee birthdays. While it might seem like a minor detail, acknowledging birthdays can have a significant impact on employee morale and overall workplace culture.   Why Employee Birthdays Matter   1. Boosts Morale: Recognising an employee's birthday shows that you value them as an individual, not just as a worker. This simple act can boost their morale and make them feel appreciated. 2. Strengthens Relationships: Celebrating birthdays can strengthen... read more

November 19, 2024

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Silly Season

As the year draws to a close, the “silly season” is upon us. This time of year, encompassing Black Friday, Christmas, and the end of the year, is marked by a whirlwind of activity both professionally and personally. At openHR.co.za, we understand the unique challenges this period presents, and we’re here to offer guidance on how to support your employees during this hectic time.   The Impact of Silly Season on Employees   The holiday season often brings increased workload, tight deadlines, and heightened stress. Employees are juggling end-of-year tasks, holiday preparations, and personal commitments, leading to potential burnout. The... read more

November 5, 2024

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Dogfooding

How South African Companies Can Learn from Home Depot’s Strategy   In the competitive retail landscape, companies must continuously innovate to stay relevant and profitable. One effective strategy that has proven successful for Home Depot in the United States is requiring all employees, including executives, to work at least eight hours in a store every quarter. This hands-on approach can be a game-changer for South African companies like Pick n Pay, which are currently facing challenges.   Employee and Customer Challenges   By having executives and other employees spend time on the shop floor, companies can gain invaluable insights into... read more

October 21, 2024