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HM Digest

Future-Ready HR: Equipping Students with Practical Skills That Matter

HumanManager partners with UNILAG to shape tomorrow’s workforce.

As the workplace evolves at breakneck speed, the demand for agile, tech-savvy, and people-focused HR professionals has never been more urgent. At HumanManager, we’re not just observing this shift; we’re helping to drive it by investing in the next generation of talent.

Our partnership with the Department of Employment Relations and Human Resource Management at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) is one of the ways we’re closing the gap between academic knowledge and practical, industry-ready HR skills.

In our most recent engagement, we trained about 200 300-level students through an interactive, hands-on session that went beyond the classroom. These future professionals explored real-world HR processes, from payroll outsourcing and performance tracking to digital records and leave management, using the same software HR teams rely on.

Our team didn’t just demonstrate the HumanManager features. We brought real insight into what it takes to manage people and systems effectively in a tech-driven workplace. The feedback? About 200 students left more informed, confident, and empowered to pursue impactful HR careers.

At HumanManager, we believe that building tomorrow’s workforce starts today, by showing up, sharing what we know, and inspiring the kind of curiosity and confidence that goes beyond theory.

Learn more about our services at Explore more at www.humanmanager.net

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Be part of a community of future-minded professionals, mentors, and learners shaping the world of work together.

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Categories
Innovation

Not Just Days Off: Designing Leave Policies That Show You Care 

By Temitope Adewole

Today’s workforce is more dynamic and diverse than ever. People come to work with different life experiences, values, and needs, and that includes how they take time off. From early-career professionals navigating new responsibilities to experienced employees juggling family or health priorities, the traditional, one-size-fits-all leave policy often falls short. 

Designing leave policies that truly support your people means going beyond compliance and compensation. It requires empathy, flexibility, and a thoughtful understanding of the many ways people work and live today. 

In this article, we explore how people managers can create leave policies that promote wellbeing, boost engagement, and foster a workplace culture where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.  

Types of Leave & Tailoring Them for Today’s Workforce 

An effective leave framework goes beyond statutory options like annual, sick, or maternity/paternity leave. It should offer adaptable formats that align with generational preferences: 

  • Gen Alpha (Born 2010 onwards): This emerging cohort may still be in higher institutions, but future policies must anticipate their expectations: digital-first processes and a strong focus on wellbeing. 
  • Gen Z & Millennials (20–40) value mental health and flexibility. Options like mental wellness days or remote-friendly time-off can go a long way. 
  • Gen X & Baby Boomers (40+) often juggle work with caregiving, taking eldercare leave, extended sick leave, or phased retirement plans especially relevant. 

Legal Compliance & Considerations   

While innovation is key, adherence to national labour laws remains non-negotiable. Leave policies must comply with regulations in each country of operation, including statutory leave entitlements, minimum wage implications during leave, and tax treatments. HR teams should collaborate with legal experts to ensure policies are up-to-date, especially in multinational environments. 

Communicating Leave Policies Effectively  

A well-designed policy means little if employees don’t understand or trust it. Use clear, jargon-free language and multiple channels (emails, HR portals, onboarding, and even team check-ins) to reinforce leave options. Embedding these discussions into onboarding and performance reviews builds awareness and trust. 

Boosting Satisfaction & Performance   

Research consistently shows that supportive leave policies boost employee morale, reduce burnout, and improve retention. When people feel their personal lives are respected, they’re more likely to stay engaged, committed, and invested in their roles. 

Leverage Technology – The HumanManager Advantage  

HumanManager simplifies leave management through an intuitive, centralized dashboard. With features like real-time leave balances, automated approval workflows, compliance alerts, and leave trend analytics, organisations can stay efficient and proactive. HumanManager’s modular setup also allows you to customise policies by department or region, striking the right balance between compliance and flexibility.