PRODUCTIVITY SEEMS TO BE the buzzword in recent times, mainly uttered from the mouths of our politicians.
In his Christmas Day message, Prime Minister Freundel Stuart urged Barbadian workers to give more.
In this country’s jubilee year when Pride And Industry were top of mind for many as Barbados’ 50th anniversary was celebrated with pomp and pageantry, he underscored the importance of national development.
In a clarion call to all workers, Mr Stuart reminded patriotic Barbadians that it was important to contribute to society in order to secure our future. They were also urged to give more on their jobs by being punctual and giving a full day’s work.
The entreating didn’t stop there. Workers were encouraged to go the extra mile to ensure the success of businesses.
However, getting the best out of workers is a two-way process, with some of the responsibility resting squarely on the shoulders of employers. Those in the public and private sector who hire have a responsibility to ensure they get the best from their workers. Hence, they must be held accountable for providing decent wages, comfortable and safe work environments, and adequate benefits for those they employ.
Employers must dedicate more time to improving the well-being of workers while ensuring that as individuals, they have a better understanding of their respective roles. Only then, will they get all that is required from the workforce.
Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler and Minister of Labour Senator Dr Esther Byer Suckoo, have followed suit, speaking out about the drop in productivity.
In this the National Year Of Productivity, Sinckler said he was simply not satisfied that Barbadians were producing at their optimum level. So critical was this problem that the minister said he believed it was necessary the issue be addressed with alacrity.
Dr Byer Suckoo called for workers to recognise the need to give more.
Even the Governor of the Central Bank in his 2016 economic report released on Tuesday, said that an increase in productivity in the delivery of public services was urgently needed.
In his words: “Such an increase could accelerate the forecast rate of growth by at least one per cent, by improving business facilitation, bringing forward the implementation of investments and improving the attractiveness of doing business in Barbados. In addition, the productivity gain would permit a reduction in the wages bill and transfers to public entities.”
It is time to take heed. More than enough of our top officials have addressed this issue of productivity for it to be ignored. The reality is that if workers are not more productive, the island will suffer the fallout economically.