During the recent SIZA Social Auditor training, a session was held on how auditors influence the employees during an audit and more importantly, the impact auditors have on the whole business. The discussion emphasised that auditors have an influence on everyone in the business, all the way from HR, finance, and the agri-workers, to the employers or owners. The impact is enormous and the preparation for the audit in the preceding months can cause a lot of anxiety and challenges to the auditee. Auditors need to remain aware that they have an influence, directly and indirectly and that auditors should strive to leave a positive and motivated workforce once they left the premises after an audit. This is especially true for the auditors’ interaction with the workforce. There should always remain an awareness of restoring and protecting a very valuable relationship between the employee and the employer.
The experience must drive continuous improvement and even though one of the hardest skills is to effectively communicate with a variety of people in a business, the auditor should utilise their skillset to listen effectively, be aware of their body language, have understanding for the situations and communicate in line with the integrity of the SIZA programme. SIZA would like to thank Rowen Markie, from United Exports, for her insightful presentation on such an important topic and we would like to remind you all of the wonderful words that she shared with us to tie the theme together:
Just One
Author Unknown
One song can spark a moment,
One flower can wake the dream
One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald spring.
One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts a soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea,
One word can frame the goal.
One vote can change a nation,
One sunbeam lights a room
One candle wipes out darkness,
One laugh will conquer gloom.
One step must start each journey.
One word must start each prayer.
One hope will raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care.
One voice can speak with wisdom,
One heart can know what’s true,
One life can make a difference,
You see, it’s up to you!