'The HR Lens with SS'

  When Tunde moved to Germany, everyone called him “lucky.” Back home in Nigeria, his family celebrated him like a hero. There were prayers at church, congratulatory messages, and endless advice from relatives. “Don’t forget us when you make it.” “Work hard.” “This is your opportunity.” And Tunde promised he would. He arrived with two suitcases, a heavy winter jacket he bought second-hand, and dreams bigger than fear. But nobody prepared him for the loneliness. Nobody warned him that survival abroad could slowly become slavery disguised as success. The Hustle That Never Ends At first, Tunde worked one job. Then rent increased. Bills piled up. His younger sister needed school fees. His mother became sick back home. One job became two. He slept four hours daily and survived on energy drinks, painkillers, and the hope that “things would get better soon.” Whenever friends asked how he was doing, he smiled and replied: “I’m grinding.” In the diaspora, exhaustion is often celebra...

  In a world where technical skills, qualifications, and productivity often take centre stage, one ability quietly determines how successful and fulfilled we become: emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence often called EQ is the ability to understand, manage, and respond to emotions effectively, both in ourselves and in others. Unlike IQ, which measures cognitive ability, EQ influences how we communicate, handle pressure, resolve conflict, and build meaningful relationships. The good news? Emotional intelligence is not something you are born with. It can be developed, strengthened, and refined over time. What Is Emotional Intelligence? Psychologist Daniel Goleman popularized the concept of emotional intelligence through his groundbreaking work in the 1990s. According to his framework, emotional intelligence consists of five key components: Self-awareness Self-regulation Motivation Empathy Social skills Together, these qualities shape how we navigate life...

THE SUITCASE OF DREAMS   Many years ago, a young immigrant arrived in a new country with only one suitcase. Inside it were a few clothes, a photograph of the family, and something far more valuable. Dreams. The airport was crowded. The language sounded unfamiliar. The weather felt colder than anything he had known before. Everything seemed different. But the dream inside that suitcase was bigger than the fear. The first job was not glamorous. The hours were long, and the pay was small. His feet were tired at the end of each day. Some days felt lonely. Some days, people doubted him. There were even moments when he doubted himself. But immigrants carry a unique strength within them.   They carry courage; the courage to leave everything familiar behind. They carry resilience, the ability to begin again in a completely new place. They carry vision. The belief that tomorrow can be better than today. Years passed. The small job slowly turned into valuable experience....

 In today’s highly competitive and fast-changing economy, career growth no longer happens by accident. Many professionals work extremely hard yet remain stuck in the same roles for years, wondering why their income does not reflect their effort. The truth is that modern career success depends less on how busy you are and more on how strategic you are. To climb the job pyramid excellently and earn more, you must understand how career systems operate and deliberately position yourself for upward movement. The job pyramid represents the structure of most organizations and industries. At the base are entry-level roles where people mainly exchange time for money and focus on learning. In the middle are skilled professionals who perform specialized tasks and often carry heavy workloads. At the top are leaders, decision-makers, consultants, and owners who are paid primarily for judgment, influence, and impact rather than physical effort. As people move upward, competition becomes tougher ...

  As we enter a new year, many employees begin to reflect on their career progression. This period often comes with renewed ambition, whether it’s enrolling in new courses to position oneself for promotion or making the decision to change jobs entirely.   For those considering a job change, one critical but often overlooked factor is the psychological contract. Psychological contracts refer to the informal, unwritten, or verbal agreements made between an employer and an employee. These are the promises discussed during interviews or onboarding such as future promotions, flexible working arrangements, training opportunities, bonuses, or role expansion.   While these verbal assurances may be given in good faith, the reality is that oral promises offer little protection if expectations are not met later. This is why I strongly advise employees to ensure that any key verbal agreements are formally documented. Ideally, they should be included in the employment contract...

Let’s stop pretending this is just a “misunderstanding.” The generational clash at work is real and its quietly damaging productivity, morale, and retention. On one side are Baby Boomers, many still holding leadership positions and clinging to workplace rules that made sense 30 years ago. On the other is Gen Z, entering the workforce and openly rejecting those rules. The tension isn’t subtle anymore. It’s disruptive. Boomers Built the System and Won’t Let It Go Boomers often argue that long hours, office presence, and strict hierarchy build character. But for Gen Z, these aren’t signs of commitment, they’re red flags. When productivity can be measured by outcomes, why is “looking busy” still rewarded? Gen Z isn’t lazy. They’re refusing to sacrifice their mental health for outdated definitions of loyalty. The real question is whether Boomers are protecting standards or protecting control. Gen Z Isn’t Entitled (They’re Just Done Playing the Game) Boomers often label Gen Z as entitled for...