KAMPALA:In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing corporate environment, it’s more vital than ever for workers to be heard and recognized, to give them a sense of purpose and to let them know that their efforts are valued.
They want to know that their abilities are still relevant and helpful, and that they are contributing positively to the organizations they serve.
Many organizations are currently dealing with the consequences of the Covid-19 worldwide shutdown. Many workers are having to deal with these changes as a consequence of the closure of many enterprises, shifts in working modes, work hours, workloads, and some wage reductions, resulting in a variety of mental health difficulties.
Companies that have withstood the pandemic’s assault are those who have sought to care after their people and shown empathy. In return, despite the difficulties, the personnel have found it worthwhile to care after the organization’s consumers and clients.
Employees will most likely not feel appreciated or empowered if their workplaces are not sympathetic to their circumstances, according to human resource experts.
Prudential Uganda, aware of what was going on inside its workforce, pushed its motto to the forefront, joining its workers and customers in Facing Life Together, just as it has done for more than 100 years – standing with employees and clients in both good and terrible times.
Prudential Uganda launched the ‘Prudential Best HR Practices Survey 2021’ in collaboration with PricewaterhouseCoopers, Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), Human Capital International, BrighterMonday, and the Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE). This poll aims to highlight outstanding employment practices and recognize organizations that support optimal employment practices throughout the nation.
The impact of the pandemic on the workplace spurred Prudential to study methods for companies to assess and share best practices among themselves so that, together, they may improve the lives of their workers and get the most out of life..
Some of the thematic areas the survey is looking at are; diversity and inclusion, flexible performance management, talent development, employee empowerment, wellness, collaboration and communication, reward and recognition of employees, quality, innovation and several other areas that impact employees in the world of work today.
It is from such practices that companies are be able to retain the best talents in the field as they seek to maximise their set goals and benchmarks. Offering prizes for reaching certain benchmarks for performance or even better, set up a system where employees can demonstrate their understanding of industry topics, sharpen their skills, and then receive recognition and rewards for meeting certain goals.
Employees too can benefit from improving themselves professionally, which is also likely to keep a company moving forward.
According to data provided by Blackhawk Engagement Solutions, 89% of employers assume that employees leave for a higher salary at a different company. However, only 12% of employees actually earn more at their new jobs, suggesting that their reasons for leaving have very little to do with financial compensation. Even something as simple as passing your company’s accolades along to your employees can say a lot about how much you value your team.
Employers ought to boost the best performer practices in order to establish themselves as pillars of the community. The results in brand awareness are more likely to win customers and contracts. A modest ‘thank you’ for a job well done to an employee can show them how much they are appreciated. At the end of the day, it is a win-win for both the employer and employee.
Eighty-six percent (86%) of businesses have employee recognition or awards programme in place. Awarding employees for exemplary work is a great way to recognise team members committed to your company’s values and your intended business direction. The awards strategy can take just about any form. You know what you look for in a model employee, so it only makes sense to reward your workers when they live up to those standards. Often, putting a little extra time and money into employee recognition boosts your company’s reputation.
It is a relationship based on trust that inspires employees to perform. When a company is mindful of managing and concurrently implementing personal growth, not just responsibility, inclusion and employee empowerment, among others will certainly jump-start a company’s ability to earn trust with the employees and inspire their performance.
When you trust someone, you believe in them. People are inspired when they know that their leaders believe in their capabilities to deliver.
The survey is expected to offer an opportunity for employees to promote and highlight the good employment practices of their employer. It is also hoped that the survey will share new innovative practices among employers on critical issues for employees in the workplace.
Is it possible other employers can take a leaf out of the book of staff of other organisations? Is it high time organisations re-assessed to know whether their HR policies could actually lead to their downfall? Is it not in order that organisations learn about emerging global practices – global practices viewed from a local perspective to fit in the local context? These are questions whose answers we are waiting for with bated breath.
Juliet Najjuma
HR Manager, Prudential Uganda.