As part of its activities for the Productivity Awareness Week (May 14 – 18, 2012), the Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Development is promoting a culture of productive employment amongst our population.

But what does Productivity means?
Productivity is simply defined as the efficient use of resources, labour and materials for the production of goods and services. In other words, it is about doing more in less time and increased performance in the hours worked.

Simple tips for you to enjoy your current job:
• Get yourself motivated to face the day: a positive attitude will make the day more pleasant and productive

• Keep your work in perspective: you can only do the best you can in each situation. Look beyond yourself and your work and consider the bigger picture

• Plan your time: prioritise your to-do list, do the important and urgent things first

• Concentrate on the task at hand: do not let yourself be distracted by worrying about all the other things to be done or losing energy over undesirable situations. Stay in the moment

• Clarify anytime you are not sure or when you are faced with conflicting demands: the more clear and upfront you are with your employer and other colleagues, the better it will be for you in the long term

• Review your day before you leave for home: look at what worked well and what could be improved the next day.

What can I do as an employer to improve Productivity?

• Train, motivate and discipline workers

• Build teamwork

• Develop performance incentives

• Make full use of technology

• Modernise equipments

• Review practices and procedures

• Economise on raw materials

• Sell products or services at competitive prices

Contributed by the Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Development

Minister Idith Alexander on Friday visited the Sainte Anne Resort & Spa as part of this year’s plan of action to strengthen collaboration with workplace organisations on labour and employment issues.

Ms Alexander has the portfolio for Labour and Human Resources Development and has started a series of visits to work places with the aim of familiarising her new administration with heads of organisations while strengthening existed partnership for better understanding of issues and challenges being encountered.

She was accompanied by principal secretary Veronique Bresson and other high officials in the ministry.

They held talks with the hotels’ senior management which focused on Seychellois staff’s development.

The delegation visited most sections of the hotel and talked to staff who reported positive changes and great satisfaction with their working environment.

Compared to a visit made to the hotel last year after many complaints from Seychellois workers against some expatriate staff of the hotel, the minister expressed great satisfaction on the improvement of working conditions which has resulted on decreased staff turnover and zero complaints to the ministry since the start of this year.

“I am well satisfied with the setting up of a new training department within the hotel which will no doubt help to increase staff knowledge and give further skills according to its specific needs through tailor-made programmes both local and regional, which could be adopted by other large tourism establishments,” said Ms Alexander

She commented on the need for large hotels to upgrade Seychellois workers to middle management positions after proper training and gained experience, as is the case at Sainte Anne Resort & Spa where 35% of management positions are being occupied by Seychellois.

The resort now has 70% local and 30% expatriate staff – a complete reverse of the 2011 statistics.

Ms Alexander called on all organisations not to perceive the labour department as a watchdog, but rather a partner to enhance human resource development and capacity building in the country.

Ministry of Education, Employment and Human Resources
Employment Department
09.03.11

PRESS RELEASE

A one day workshop organised in partnership with ILO was held on Wednesday 9th of March at 0900hrs at the STC Conference Room to open discussions on finalizing the review of the National Employment Act 1995. Ms. Angelika Muller, a labour law expert from the ILO headquarters Geneva was present to facilitate the workshop.  

The main purpose of the workshop was mainly to provide technical assistance to the Employment Department in the reviewing of the National Employment Act 1995.  Furthermore, the workshop provided Employment Department with the opportunity to discuss with relevant stakeholders the comments made by the ILO on proposals that was formulated by the National Committee so that the Committee can press forward with the finalization of the review.

“The review may also offer opportunities for Seychelles to ratify other relevant ILO Conventions in compliance with international labour standards and supporting the cause for equitable and fair terms and conditions of employment for all in the employment and labour sector” said the Principal Secretary for Employment Department Mrs. Marina Confait during her opening address. 

Present were various stakeholders invited to participate in the workshop namely the National Assembly, Members of the Bars Association, representatives of employers and employees, NGOs, social partners and others.

Editor’s note: Seychelles became a member of the ILO in 1977, the relationship can be described as a fruitful one and the technical assistance for the reviewing of the National Employment Act 1995 is one of plethora of the benefits that the Employment Department has gained from the ILO.

A.    Aux Pins          18/07/11             1.30pm                Community Centre

Anse Royale            20/07/11             1.30pm                Community Centre

Pte Larue                22/07/11             1.30pm                Community Centre

The Commonwealth of Learning (COL), working in partnership with the Brunei Darussalam Government is offering Masters’ Degree scholarships to Seychellois preferably working in Higher Education Institutions or Departments of Higher Education.

The scholarship awards are available to study a Masters' Degree for one or two years on a full-time basis. The scholarship awards are available for programmes commencing in July/August 2015 in three participating institutions in Brunei Darussalam:

University Brunei Darussalam (UBD);

University Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) and;

Institute Technology Brunei (ITB)

Tuition fees and other compulsory school fees, one return economy air ticket, allowances and accommodation are covered in each scholarship. For specific details on the terms and conditions of the scholarship, click here. The entry requirements and the application form can also be found on this link.

To be eligible you must:

• Be 35 years or below by 31st July 2015
• Have the written support of your Vice-Chancellors, Presidents or equivalent institutional heads;
• Demonstrate how the degree obtained will help progress your personal and professional development;
• Must have written endorsement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Applicants are invited to follow the application procedures directly with the Brunei Darussalam Government as stated on the Application Form and to submit a copy of the complete application package to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at COL.

Deadline for sending applications is the 26th January 2015. For more information kindly contact ANHRD on 4423300.