Supporting small businesses build decent workplaces

Over the past year, Property Point, a leading business development service provider in South Africa’s construction sector, has taken bold steps to integrate Decent Work into its enterprise support model. With support from Sida, and in partnership with the Decent Work in Construction project, Property Point redesigned its training and mentorship programmes. Its goal is to help small and medium-sized construction enterprises build workplaces that uphold the Decent Work Agenda, by complying with labour laws, promoting worker well-being, to improve productivity.

Property Point piloted a new training curriculum built on Decent Work principles, reshaping how it delivers training and mentorship. The support was structured around three interlinked themes.

We are empowering SMMEs to offer structured contracts and secure employee relationships. It’s about productivity, sustainability, and impactful growth. Mr. Khutjo Langa, Programme Manager, Property Point

First, participants explored rights at work and workplace dialogue, how to develop fair contracts, set clear expectations using performance indicators, and introduce internal grievance mechanisms. Second, the focus shifted to health and safety, emphasising working at heights protocols, conducting risk assessments, and building a shared responsibility for maintaining a safe work environment. Finally, sessions addressed social protection, including how to provide paid leave, structure working hours, manage wage payments, and register workers for compensation and benefits.

Participants used practical tools such as toolbox talks, business planning exercises, and real-time policy drafting to ensure ideas were immediately applicable in the workplace.The changes extended beyond the participating SMMEs. Property Point itself has evolved. The organisation now recognises that supporting business growth is inseparable from promoting compliance with labour laws and improving working conditions. This shift is paving the way for the long-term institutionalisation of Decent Work focused services on its core offerings.

We’ve raised awareness among an additional 120 SMMEs about the link between labour rights and business performance, says Mr. Langa.

The changes extended beyond the participating SMMEs. Property Point itself has evolved. The organisation now recognises that supporting business growth is inseparable from promoting compliance with labour laws and improving working conditions. This shift is paving the way for the long-term institutionalisation of Decent Work focused services on its core offerings.

Property Point’s experience shows that practical training and a focus on decent work can strengthen both business performance and workplace culture