Lelo Klaas Google Blog

Let’s talk about flu season. That dreaded time of year when every sniffle, cough, and sneeze feels like a ticking time bomb. And yet, some people still drag themselves to the office, hacking away like they’re auditioning for a horror movie. Newsflash: You’re not a hero for coming to work sick . You’re just passing your germs to the rest of us. And guess what? Some of us have kids. When I get sick, it doesn’t stop with me—it ripples through my whole house like a bad WhatsApp forward. First me, then my little one, then the other one… and suddenly, I’m missing more work because now I’ve got two feverish, coughing kids at home. The Office Sneeze Attack That Broke Me I’ll never forget the time a colleague—let’s call her Flu Fairy —returned to work after a week off with a nasty fever. She looked fine, but here’s the kicker: no mask. Then, as fate would have it, she came to my desk to ask about something. Just as I turned to answer— BAM! —a full-force sneeze right on top of my head. Not a...

Let’s talk about job hopping—that exciting (or desperate) leap from one company to another because the next one offers more money . Sounds great, right? More cash, better life? Well… sometimes. But sometimes, it’s like trading your comfy couch for a shiny new chair… that turns out to be made of spikes. I’ve been there. Oh boy, have I been there. I’ve jumped jobs like a frog on a hot plate—sometimes out of curiosity, sometimes for the money, and sometimes because, well, shiny things are tempting . But let me tell you, not all that glitters is gold. Sometimes, it’s just glitter… on a dumpster fire. The Money Trap Yes, more money is nice. Bills disappear faster than free office snacks, and suddenly, you can afford that fancy coffee without guilt. But here’s the thing: money doesn’t fix a bad workplace . I once left a great job (awesome team, good vibes, free snacks—the dream) because another company waved a bigger paycheck at me. Big mistake. The new place? Toxic. Stressful. I worked so ...

We’ve all seen it—the social media posts preaching non-stop hustle, the success stories framed as “if I can do it, anyone can.” But here’s the uncomfortable truth: hustle culture is a luxury, not a universal truth. The Myth of the Side Hustle I’ve lived in Johannesburg’s fast-paced streets, Durban’s easy-going coastal life, and Cape Town’s competitive hustle. And one thing is clear—not everyone has the same starting point. Hustle culture assumes we all have: Time to burn after work. Money to invest in a “passion project.” A safety net if things fail. But for most South Africans? A 9-to-5 isn’t a lack of ambition—it’s necessity. The Reality for the Rest of Us Think about: The mother in Khayelitsha working two jobs just to cover rent. The father in Gqeberha sending half his salary to family in the Eastern Cape. The graduate in Soweto juggling debt, a low-paying job, and the pressure to “build a brand.” Telling these people to “just hustle harder” isn’t motivation—it’s ignorance. The Hidd...

We’ve all been there. That one colleague who gets all the praise, the promotions, the perks—not because they’re the best, but because they’re the boss’s favourite. It stings, doesn’t it? You work hard, stay late, deliver results, yet somehow, the golden child always gets the crown. Favouritism in the office isn’t just unfair —it’s toxic. It kills morale, breeds resentment, and turns a once-motivated team into a group of clock-watchers just waiting for payday. And in a country like South Africa, where workplaces are a melting pot of cultures, backgrounds, and struggles, playing favourites doesn’t just hurt feelings—it deepens divides. The Unseen Wounds of Favouritism Imagine this: You’ve been at your company for years. You know the systems, the clients, the unspoken rules. Then, out of nowhere, the new hire—the one who laughs a little too loud at the boss’s jokes—gets the promotion you’ve been eyeing. No explanation. No justification. Just a slap in the face wrapped in a corporate email...

We’ve all been there—sitting in a meeting where everything is “awesome!” and “great!” while inside, you’re screaming. The boss says, “Just stay positive!” as deadlines crush you, emails pile up, and your sanity hangs by a thread. Welcome to the Fake Smiles Club , where forced optimism hides real pain. When “Good Vibes Only” Becomes a Trap Toxic positivity is the unspoken rule in many workplaces: “Don’t complain, just hustle!” “Negative thoughts attract failure!” But here’s the truth—burying frustration doesn’t make it disappear. It grows. I remember a time when my team was drowning in unrealistic targets. Instead of addressing burnout, leadership plastered motivational quotes on Slack: “Pressure makes diamonds!” Meanwhile, morale was crumbling. The worst part? We all played along, smiling through the stress, afraid to be seen as “not a team player.” Why Forced Positivity Hurts More Than...

Let’s tackle the “Should I stay or should I go?” job dilemma—a question as complex as folding a fitted sheet. Some will advise you to “stick it out” or “be grateful you have a job.” But here’s the truth: Your peace of mind is non-negotiable. No paycheck is worth sacrificing your self-respect, sanity, or happiness. So how do you know when it’s truly time to leave? Let’s examine the signs. 1. You’re Tolerating Blatant Disrespect Disrespect manifests in many ways: Being spoken down to in meetings Others taking credit for your work Passive-aggressive comments disguised as feedback The rule is simple: If you wouldn’t accept this behavior from a stranger, why tolerate it at work? Professional courtesy is the bare minimum. 2. Sunday Night Dread Becomes Routine That sinking feeling every Sunday evening? The visceral “I can’t face Monday” reaction? That’s your subconscious sounding the alarm. A job sh...

When I think about work, I don’t just think about paychecks or deadlines. I think about the feeling of belonging, the joy of collaboration, and the spark of innovation that happens when people truly care about each other. In 2025, South Africa is home to some of the most inspiring companies that have cracked the code to creating workplaces where employees don’t just survive—they thrive. Let me take you on a heartfelt journey through the top 5 companies leading the way in employee satisfaction and innovation. 1. Naspers: Where Purpose Meets Passion Naspers isn’t just a tech giant; it’s a family. I’ve had the privilege of speaking to employees here, and the one thing that stands out is their sense of purpose. Naspers has created a culture where every employee feels like they’re part of something bigger. From flexible work arrangements to mental health support, they’ve built a safe space for people to grow. One employee told me, “I don’t just work here; I belong here.” That’s the magic of...

South Africa is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. Known as the Rainbow Nation , it’s a place where diversity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way of life. But how do we translate this beautiful mosaic into our workplaces? How do we create spaces where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered? Let me share a story that changed my perspective forever. A few years ago, I worked in a team where inclusivity was just a checkbox on a corporate form. We had people from different backgrounds, but our conversations rarely went beyond surface-level niceties. Then, one day, a colleague shared her story during a team-building session. She spoke about growing up in a rural village, the challenges she faced as a woman of color, and how she often felt invisible in the workplace. Her words were raw, heartfelt, and eye-opening. That day, I realized that diversity isn’t just about hiring people from different backgrounds—it’s about creating a culture where everyone feels they be...

If there’s one thing you take away from this blog, let it be this: believe in yourself, in everything. Confidence isn’t about knowing it all—it’s about being open to learning, growing, and embracing the fact that you don’t have to be perfect. Let’s be real, life’s too short to pretend you’re the All-Knowing, All-Seeing God of your field. Spoiler alert: no one is. The Trap of the “Know-It-All” Mentality Here’s the thing: when you’ve been doing the same thing for years, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you’ve got it all figured out. But guess what? That’s when you lose your open mind . You start fearing the words “I don’t know” because, heaven forbid, someone might think you’re not the expert. But here’s a secret: slowing down to learn is a strength, not a weakness. It’s okay to admit you don’t have all the answers. In fact, it’s liberating. The most successful people aren’t the ones who pretend to know everything—they’re the ones who are curious, informed, and always will...

Ah, the corporate world—where the air is thick with self-importance, and some people truly believe they were handpicked by the universe itself. What a privilege it must be to walk around with an inflated sense of self, looking down on everyone else like mere peasants. Let’s talk about them —the rude, condescending creatures who think their existence is more valuable than anyone else’s. You know the type. The ones who talk over you in meetings, who smile just enough to appear civil but whose words drip with superiority. The ones who believe their job title gives them the right to trample over others. Oh, how exhausting it must be to carry around such a fragile ego! The Ugly Reality of Corporate Life Now, let’s not sugarcoat things. If you’re a woman in corporate, congratulations! You have two options: Be “ruthless” (which is just corporate-speak for rude and emotionally detached) and get labeled “aggressive.” Be kind and professional, and get labeled “weak....

Hey there! So, let’s chat about something that’s been on my mind a lot lately: Imposter Syndrome. If you’ve ever felt like you’re just faking it at work, trust me, you’re not alone. As someone who’s transitioned from the fast-paced world of agency life to the more structured corporate realm, I’ve danced with my fair share of self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy. And let me tell you, it’s been quite the rollercoaster ride! What is Imposter Syndrome Anyway? First off, let’s break this down. Imposter Syndrome is that annoying little voice in your head that tells you, “You’re not good enough,” or “You don’t belong here.” It’s that nagging feeling that, despite your successes, you’re just one step away from being found out as a fraud. And guess what? Many young professionals feel this way, especially when they’re stepping into a new environment, like I did when I moved from agencies to a corporate gig. My Corporate Adventure When I made the leap to corporate life, I was excited but also te...

No Peace, Just Exhaustion I wasn’t sure if I should even write this. I’ve been going back and forth in my head, like a tennis ball match , trying to decide. But my heart is heavy , and I need to let this out. Today started like any other. I walked into the office , headed to my desk , and started unpacking. Before I could even settle in, my manager was standing over me. “Where’s the rest of the team?” he asked. I told him, I don’t know . “Why was your phone off?” I explained that it died on my way to work—I usually listen to podcasts while I drive. But that wasn’t enough. He kept going. “I can’t have people missing. Between the two guys, one must be here at 7:30. Core hours this, core hours that.” I told him I had already talked to the team about core hours —but for the life of me, I couldn’t understand why this was an issue. Core hours are 9 AM to 5 PM. So what was the problem? Then, without another word, he just turned and walked away . And I s...

There’s one thing that infuriates me beyond words—when people refuse to address me correctly. I am Lelo Klaas , and nothing else. Not “both.” Not “ladies.” Not some generic placeholder that erases my identity. Just Lelo Klaas. This happens far too often, usually in emails where someone is making a request and addressing both me and my junior. Instead of taking a second to be specific and direct, they default to lazy, impersonal terms like “both” or “ladies.” And I hate it. If You Don’t Know Who Will Handle It—Figure It Out If you’re sending an email and don’t know who will handle something, it’s simple: Address me and copy my junior. That way, I will delegate if needed. Address my junior and copy me. If you think it’s their responsibility, fine—acknowledge them, and I’ll step in if necessary. But do not lump us into “both” or “ladies.” I am not a faceless entity in a group. I am Lelo Klaas. This is not just a preference. It’s about respect and professionalism . If you can take the...