By Staff Reporter
Global Human Resources Consultant and author, Emmanuel Zvada has added his voice to the growing national conversation on life after formal employment with the launch of his new book on retirement preparation, titled 7 Golden Rules of Retirement Preparation unveiled in Harare.
The book is a precursor to the Zimbabwe Institute of Retirement Planning which Zvada and his partners are scheduled to launch in 2026.
7 Golden Rules of Retirement Planning draws from Zvada’s extensive experience in human capital development and employee welfare, tackles one of the most neglected yet inevitable phases of life – retirement.
Written in a practical and reflective tone, the publication challenges the common perception of retirement as an abrupt end, instead presenting it as a phase that demands deliberate planning, psychological readiness and financial discipline.
Speaking at the launch, Zvada said the motivation behind the book was rooted in his encounters with employees who reach retirement age unprepared, both materially and emotionally. As an HR consultant, he says has witnessed professionals who excelled in their careers struggle to adapt once the structure, routine and income of formal employment came to an end.
“Retirement should not be a shock. It must be a transition that one consciously prepares for over time. My aim was to provide a guide that helps individuals start thinking early about life beyond the payslip,” Zvada said.
The book addresses key areas such as financial planning, investment choices, lifestyle adjustment, health management and the importance of cultivating purpose beyond one’s job title. It also speaks to the psychological impact of retirement, including identity loss and social isolation, issues that are often overlooked in conventional retirement discussions.
Participants at the Harare launch described the book as both timely and relevant, particularly in an economic environment where job security is uncertain and pension systems are under pressure. Several speakers noted that retirement preparation is no longer a concern only for those nearing the end of their careers, but a lifelong process that should begin early.
Zvada also emphasised that the book is not only for employees, but for employers, policymakers and HR practitioners, whom he believes have a responsibility to integrate retirement planning into workplace wellness programmes.
“As organisations, we invest heavily in onboarding and performance management, but very little in preparing people for exit,” he said. “Yet how an employee exits work life has a direct bearing on their dignity, wellbeing and even on society at large.”
The launch brought together professionals from the HR fraternity, corporate executives and members of the public, reflecting the broad appeal of the subject. Many attendees expressed hope that the book would spark more open conversations about retirement, shifting it from a taboo topic to a normal part of career development.
With this publication, Zvada positions himself not only as an HR consultant, but also as an advocate for holistic career planning that recognises retirement as a critical stage of life deserving of foresight and respect.
