"The difference between a good workplace and a truly exceptional one lies in how leaders harness human behaviour to inspire discretionary effort — when people willingly go above and beyond, not because they have to, but because they want to” — Siphiwe Moyo   As February 19-20 2025 approaches, my anticipation for the “Building Better Workplaces” conference at the Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, Sandton continues to grow. This isn’t just another industry event — it’s a pivotal moment for anyone passionate about workplace transformation, leadership, and organisational excellence. Having dedicated my career to behavioural science and human flourishing, I see this conference as an unparalleled opportunity to explore, engage, and evolve. Here’s why I’m counting down the days.  

1. A gathering of visionary thinkers

Every year, certain events mark turning points in industries. This conference is set to be one of them. The Organisational Behaviour Institute (OBI) has curated a line-up of speakers that I have long admired, including Lerato Mahlasela, Graeme Codrington, Andisa Liba, and Terrence Taylor. These thought leaders have consistently driven conversations that matter — on leadership, culture, and employee engagement. Being in the same room, absorbing their insights, and engaging in dialogue promises to be an electrifying experience.   More than that, the energy of a room filled with HR professionals, executives, and change-makers is something that can’t be replicated elsewhere. The synergy of shared purpose — of wanting to build high-performance, human-centric workplaces — is what truly excites me.  

2. Discovering breakthrough organisational strategies

One of the biggest reasons I’m eager for this conference is the depth of knowledge and practical frameworks that will be shared. I’ve always believed that the best way to learn is to listen to those who have walked the path before us.   Take, for instance, Nedbank’s behavioural economics-driven culture transformation — a topic that will be unpacked in one of the sessions. Their structured approach to shaping company culture, using behavioural insights and controlled trials, is a model worth examining. This session, alongside discussions on job crafting, high-engagement workplaces, and proactive employee behaviours, will offer strategies that I can bring directly into my work.  

3. The science behind discretionary effort and behavioural insights at work

A standout moment I’m anticipating is the session led by Siphiwe Moyo, which will explore how human behaviour can be leveraged to unleash discretionary effort at work. Discretionary effort — those extra contributions employees choose to make beyond their required duties — is often the differentiator between a good organisation and a truly exceptional one.   This discussion will dive deep into a question every leader should ask: How do you, as a leader, use your understanding of human behaviour to add value on a day-to-day basis in the workplace? From fostering intrinsic motivation to building cultures of trust and accountability, these insights will be invaluable in my journey as a behavioural science researcher and executive coach.  

4. The intersection of wellbeing, performance, and the future of work

For years, organisations treated employee wellbeing as a peripheral concern — something to address only when productivity suffered. But times have changed. One of the most anticipated topics at the conference will be how wellbeing and organisational success are deeply intertwined.   I’m looking forward to the session on creating cultures of psychological safety and integrating employee wellbeing with business performance. The economic cost of neglecting mental health is undeniable, and I’m eager to hear concrete strategies that companies are using to foster resilience while maintaining a competitive edge.   The notion that happy, engaged employees are the key to sustainable success isn’t new — but what’s groundbreaking is how organisations are now implementing this principle. This event will highlight the companies getting it right, and I want to be there to learn from them.   Additionally, discussions on how technology is reshaping organisational culture and leadership will be crucial. From AI-driven workflows to data-backed talent strategies, the intersection of tech, talent, and workplace innovation is where the future is unfolding. The session on how companies like Google, Meta, and Discovery are fusing technology with high-performance cultures promises to offer a fascinating glimpse into the workplaces of tomorrow.   Final thoughts: The countdown begins For over 25 years, I have dedicated my career to learning and development, helping individuals and organisations unlock their full potential. The workplace is constantly evolving, and continuous learning is the key to staying ahead. I have seen firsthand how investing in people, fostering leadership, and driving organisational growth can lead to lasting success. This is why the Building Better Workplaces Conference is so important to me.   This event isn’t just another conference — it’s a transformational experience that will shape the way we think about work, leadership, and culture in the years ahead. For me, it’s about more than just attending — it’s about actively participating in the conversations that will define the future of our workplaces.   With an agenda packed with breakthrough insights, practical strategies, and unparalleled networking opportunities, I can’t wait to be part of this moment. business a.m. commits to publishing a diversity of views, opinions and comments. It, therefore, welcomes your reaction to this and any of our articles via email: comment@businessamlive.com