Minister stresses on importance of human resource management in workplaces

Employees of Apex Hotel Supplies Ltd and those of ISPC – two establishments in the wholesale and retail business – recently had the opportunity to bring their concerns and challenges encountered at work to the attention of Employment, Immigration and Civil Status Minister Myriam Télémaque.

The minister visited the two workplaces based at the SIBA Warehouse on Bois de Rose Avenue as part of her routine visits to different workplaces to listen to employees and see firsthand their work environment.

Minister Télémaque first interacted with the 94 employees of Apex at their different work stations. Out of the group, 12 are foreigners. At ISPC there are 79 employees and 16 are foreigners.

As in all her visits, Minister Télémaque provided the employees the opportunity to freely express their challenges as well as talk about the good practices being put in place by their employers.

There were many concerns raised by the workers of both companies that the minister believes could have been dealt with internally to the satisfaction of both parties had there been a proper human resource management set-up in place.

The existing arrangements are very much fragmented therefore providing no structured channel for the workers to bring out their concerns, thus making them become frustrated and discouraged.

The absence of an effective human resource management system to successfully undertake human resource planning and carry out related policies can cause a lack of proper communication and distance management from employees which affects employees’ morale and productivity.

For any business its workforce is one of the most important drivers for growth. If they do not have an avenue to discuss their concerns and challenges, frustration builds up and the company may end up losing its most valuable asset.

This is exactly the point Minister Télémaque discussed with management after touring the different work stations and listening to the employees.

It is the priority action that both companies have been encouraged to undertake so that employees’ grievances could be resolved within the shortest delay.

Minister Télémaque also took the opportunity to remind the top leaders of both businesses that in order to have a productive workplace, there needs to be effective motivational and management strategies in place. She said while there are some good practices being undertaken by both companies such as discounts on goods purchased at the shop, those positive aspects are being overshadowed by so much discontent and mistrust on the part of the workers. She noted that both companies have so much potential to grow but for that to happen, workplace harmony has to prevail.

Meanwhile, the employment department will continue to work closely with both businesses in order to provide guidance and support so that they are able to move forward. Employment officers will undertake follow-up visits within appropriate time to monitor the implementation of the recommendations discussed with management.

Minister Télémaque and her team in a souvenir photo with Apex workers

Complement of Seychelles NATION