HUMAN RESOURCE MAGAZINE Free Quarterly Magazine Q2 2014
Outsourcing: Getting The Needed Help
Ms. Tina Muparadzi Global Talent HR Director, Airtel Ghana Pipeline International
Unilever Theme Story IdeaTrophy Challenge Outsourcing:
Edition Getting the Needed Help 20
Exciting Editions
n 2006, L’AINE Services began circulation of a newsletter on trending human resource topics to their clients I called the Human Resource Focus. The aim of the newsletter was to reach out to the HR community and give them relevant information about HR, trending topics and subjects and showcase HR personalities so that others can learn from them.
The newsletter quickly became a hit and the growing demand brought about the need for the newsletter to expand and also, widen its reach. The project was handed to Kofy Hagan, the Editor-in-Chief, (then a Management Trainee) in 2009 to implement. Six (6) young vibrant and determined professionals were invited to join the team to help with sales, and work on transitioning the newsletter to a fully edged corporate magazine. A budget was created with a list of necessary investments such as photography, transportation, printing, etc. The design was improved and printing moved from medium end to high end printing. Content was obtained from HR professionals locally and internationally.
Personalities featured in the maiden edition of the HR Focus included Fali Dzobo, the then HR Manager for Holiday Inn and Hon. Dr. Oteng Adjei, the then Minister of Energy. A business spotlight was done on one of the best entertainment centers at the time, Citizen Ko . In October 2009, the rst HR Focus Magazine was published with the theme, “Ghana’s Oil: Its Implication for HR”
The HR Focus magazine, Ghana’s rst and only human resource magazine had the objective of attracting a wider readership within Ghana, as well as outside Ghana with up-to-date trends in human resources. Alliances were made with bookshops, hotels and airlines like EPP, Silverbird, Golden Tulip, City Link, etc, to increase the reach of the magazine and give the general public, who could pick up the magazine for free, the chance to be educated on Human Resource issues. The HR Focus is also a digital magazine, with all editions available for free download on its website. The aim is to go even further to include an app that would be available on iOS and the Android platforms. The HR Focus also seeks to be available wherever magazines are sold globally.
In December 2010, the HR Focus magazine was launched in a ceremony that many described as spectacular. The launch, which took place at the Fiesta Royale Hotel, was chaired by Dr. Joyce Aryee, the then CEO of Ghana Chamber Mines, with guests present including seasoned Human Resource Practitioner Florence Hutchful; Mr. Alhassan Andani of Stanbic Bank, Mr. CC Bruce of Enterprise Life (then ELAC) and Mr. Henry Baye of Standard Chartered Bank, amongst many other HR practitioners and business leaders. The launch also saw the unveiling of the December 2010 edition, “The Gift HR Brings.”
In September 2012, the rst HR Forum was organised and this saw HR professionals and practitioners coming together to deliberate on a number of HR issues. In October 2013, HR Focus chalked another success by partnering with the Institute of Human Resource Management Practitioners to organise Ghana’s rst HR Conference and Excellence Awards. Various organizations were recognized and rewarded for espousing best HR practices.
In the 5 years of its existence, the HR Focus magazine has won the hearts of many; students and business professionals alike.
Many of our readers remain ba ed at how a high quality magazine can remain free, but for us at HR Focus, we simply aim to educate the Ghanaian on trending HR issues and best business practices.
The fact that we have consistently been able to churn out quality magazines every quarter is a great source of pride.
The HR Focus team would like to extend a big THANK YOU to its readers, advertisers and everyone who made production possible. Look out for consistent improvement, better design, better content and more information on trending HR issues even as you read our 20th edition.
Scan & Visit Our Website 4 HR Focus Content
Content PUBLISHING CREDITS Publisher - L’AINE SERVICES LTD. Chief Executive - Dr. Mrs. Ellen M. Hagan Editor-in-Chief - Kofy Mensah H. Copy Editor - Mrs. Joyce Boeh-Ocansey Content Editor - Revina A. Acheampong Graphic Designer - Obed Adu Agyemang 8 - 11 13 NEWS ARTICLE: Asst. Graphic Designer - Albert Abbey Be an Example: 01 Mr. Executive! 02 Editorial Assistants Dorothy Safoa Owusu Sidney Bernard Arthur
Sales and Marketing Pamela Takyiwaa 18 - 19 Daniel Annang Frank Ofori Jr. 16 - 17 20 - 21 THEME STORY: SPOTLIGHT: Photography - Steven Adusei Photography Outsourcing: Ms. Tina Muparadzi Getting the Needed 0Help3 HR Director, Airtel Ghana04 Advertising - Lando Services Limited Printing - TYPE Company Limited Illustration - Nadia K. Ahmadou
SPECIAL THANKS TO Ms. Tina Muparadzi, Mr. Ebenezer Agbettor, Mr. Nana Akwasi Awuah, Mr. James Laar, Madam Doris Agyeman, Global Talent Pipeline International. 24 - 25 33 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: HR COLUMN: Global Talent Pipeline Filling the Employment TO ADVERTISE contact the Editor-in-Chief International 05 Readiness Gap 06 Mob: +233 243 981 503 Email: [email protected]
L’AINE SERVICES LIMITED: Email: [email protected] Website: www.laineservices.com www.lainejobs.com www.hrfocusmagazine.com 40 www.lainefoundation.org
36 37 HEAD OFFICE: HEALTH COLUMN: FINANCE COLUMN: Plot NO: 18 and 19 Ocean View Estate Are You Eating Right? Save Your Pocket 07 08 Community 13, Sakumono (Near Nungua Barrier) P. O. Box 1198, Accra Tel: 0302 716986/ 716983/ 717039 Fax: 0302 717038
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HR6 Focus Editorial
Breaking the Glass Ceiling The days where women were meant for the kitchen and relegated to the background are long gone. Today, we live in a world where women have become more aware of the power that they possess and are taking the bull by the horn. Women today have choices.
In more than three decades of working in a male dominated world of the auto industry, Mary Barra, barely three years ago, became one of the highest-ranking women in that world when she was named General Motors’ Head of Global Product Development. On December 10, 2013, the rm announced that Ms. Barra, from April 2014, will take the helm as General Manager and become one of auto industries’ -and hence corporate America’s - most powerful executives.
Ghana has had its own share of women taking top positions in recent times. After the purchase of Merchant Bank by Fortiz, the company announced Ms. Nilla Selormey as the Managing Director of the company. With this and many other women taking top positions in corporate Ghana, one can only envisage that the proverbial glass ceiling has not only been broken but is well on its way to being removed totally. “Women are liberating the citadel of male power.”
However, breaking the glass ceiling is only the beginning. Once you do, you have to know what to do next. Ultimately, the success of your company will depend on your strategic vision and how you drive revenue growth – nobody is going to make excuses for you.
Moving away from the “glass ceiling,” this edition of the HR Focus magazine enlightens us about OUTSOURCING and how it can drive national growth. Make sure you do not miss our exciting new columns and small sections including Executive Brie ng, Management Trends, For the Evil Days, etc. As usual, our HR mélange brings you Employment Relations, Health and Finance issues that will be worth your while.
Do visit our website: www.hrfocusmagazine.com to read our past editions and our HR blog. You are welcome to share your views and get interactive with us on our Facebook (HR Focus Magazine), twitter pages (@HRFocusMag) and LinkedIn (HR Focus Magazine) pages. Enjoy! Executive Brie ng HRHR FocusFocus7
Sparking Ideas F inding yourself in a new position as the be rejected. These are some insecurities do not combine too many brightly coloured CEO or Managing Director can prove to that inhibit creativity and innovation in clothes all in the name of keeping trendy. For be very challenging; especially, when your employees. instance, orange and pink can be combined current position is in an unfamiliar industry in clothes now but it is a no-no for work. I or sector. To be e ective with your new role, 3. Turn to New Sources don’t think anyone will take you seriously, no you need to be con dent in what you are Nothing halts innovation like relying on the matter how amazing the out t may look. doing. Next, you have to understand what same ways of thinking time and time again. Rather, try combining it with black or brown your mission is; strategize and put in all the Julie Weeks, Advisor for American Express' to keep it corporate yet trendy. e ort to maximize results. small business branch, OPEN, believes that speci cally seeking out diverse input is the 2. Over-“Accessorization” The nal thing you consider is your human key to cultivating new, creative ideas. 2014 has come with its own accessories; resource – in taking care of your sta , you mostly shiny, but know which ones to wear need to make sure that apart from their basic 4. Go Somewhere Di erent from the to work. Imagine how you would feel if needs, you hear them out, make them feel O ce everyone has to put on sunglasses before their issues are being attended to so they can "Inspiration often comes from unexpected, they speak to you because you look too feel a part of the team. serendipitous conversations," said Darwon shiny? At the work place, you want your work Choe, Marketing Manager of ad technology to stand out, not your jewelry. Having sorted these important things out, rm Spongecell. Sometimes, when you now set out to put your strategies into employees are exposed to di erent 3. Leave out the “Rihanna” Hair-dos execution. However, there are times when environment di erent from the con nes of I call it “razor to the side.” That is the hairstyle the ideas are not forthcoming: as a leader, their o ces, they tend to react di erently. Rihanna is rocking this year. I have also seen you need to wave the wand that will spark You are able to engage with them on a Deborah Vanessa wearing it. This kind of ideas in your people. Research has shown di erent level and spark ideas that might be hairstyle is okay for people in the that 80 percent of an organization’s the start of something great. entertainment industry, but not in the improvement potential lies in front-line ideas corporate world. Unless there is a – a potential that most organizations fail to competition for the craziest hairstyle, leave tap. Here are ve quick tips on how to spark What’s Trending: that out of the o ce for now. ideas in your employees. The New Corporate You 4. Wear Sensible shoes 1. Ask Unusual Questions t looks like the ever changing trend in By sensible I mean shoes that will make feel John Can eld, Corporate Speaker and I fashion has caught on with the you comfortable and smart. Not the ones Management Consultant, recommends corporate world too. No more do they wear that make you feel like you walking on coals asking unusual, open-ended questions as the white, black, brown or gray plainly, a or rheumatism had a go at your knee. I would tools to encourage creative thought. The little stash of color is added to give the recommend pumps; they are comfortable brain, he said, will work harder to answer attire a trendy feel. However, in dressing to shoes that come in all shapes and sizes and these questions, which can pave the way to keep trendy, make sure you do not get just what you need to look the part as a innovative ideas. caught by the corporate fashion police. Not corporate person. all out ts, no matter how trendy or stylish, 2. Create an Atmosphere that Breeds are acceptable in the corporate world. Here Make a statement with how you look at work, Con dence are a few tips on how to add style to your but only for the right reasons. The way you Creating an environment that welcomes all corporate wear without ‘soiling’ it. look can get a lot going for you. With these ideas, without judgment or criticism may just tips I hope you can work out a whole new do the trick. Some employees are afraid to be 1. Do not dress too colourfully to work corporate you that rocks! ridiculed, or will not attempt to bring any Unless you work at a fashion house where ideas on board because they are afraid it will all manner of craziness may be accepted, HR8 Focus News
NEWS GHANAIANS SELLING ECONOMIC BIRTH RIGHTS?
very year, Ghana welcomes more foreign many Ghanaians would be employed to work E nationals into the country, especially in this port, especially the top positions? investors. In order not to take away the livelihood of the local people, Government has Amongst the many troubles being created by put in place legislations that restrict the kind of this phenomenon is the migration of foreign business these expatriates can engage in. professionals to occupy vacant job openings in the country. However, Ghanaians seem to be selling their birth right to foreigners, a situation worrying Ms. Fali Dzobo, an Independent HR for national growth. Assessing the retail Professional, has suggested that the Ghana market, a business which is solely reserved for Investment Promotion Center should build Ghanaians (Ghana Investment Act, section 18), up a database of quali ed graduates in expatriates now own shops and are engaged culprit. There have been reports of the di erent elds. This she says would help the in retailing, granting them the opportunity to Government of Ghana having an country provide local professionals to foreign determine the prices of goods on the market agreement with a London-based investors who wish to establish businesses in based on their foreign currencies. Small scale conglomerate, Lonrho Ports Ghana Limited the country, reducing unemployment. mining, another sector exclusively reserved for to construct a free port at Atuabo, an action Ghanaians (Section 59 of the Minerals and that is in violation of PNDC Act 160. With Steps need to be taken to see that Ghanaians Mining Act, 2006, (Act 703)), has seen foreign this agreement, the foreign based rm enjoy their birth right in the elds of nationals competing ercely for dominance, would have the sole right to plan, build, establishing businesses and controlling notably among them is the Chinese. develop, manage, maintain, operate and national wealth instead of “giving more room” control the port, an authority which, to foreign nationals to take over the Is the livelihood of Ghanaians being sold out to according to PNDC Act 160, rests with the economy. foreigners? The best party to help curb the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority. How looming situation seems to have become a
EDUCATION NOT MATCHING UP WITH INDUSTRIAL REQUIREMENTS
hana sees over sixty thousand students these students on-the-job G graduating from tertiary institution experience. Those who nd across the country yearly, however, a large themselves studying number of these graduates end up adding up programmes such as to the already existing huge number of medicine, however, may unemployed youth in the country. Since 2007, have some experience. youth unemployment has increased by over 4 million, totaling about 75 million and putting In an article written by the the current global rate at 12.6% (ILO, 2012). President and Founder of Overall, 40% of the global jobless people are Regent University College of the youth. Science and Technology, Prof. Kwabena Larbi, titled Whilst the unavailability of jobs on the market Rejoinder: The State of may account for this phenomenon, the skills Ghana’s University Student, he reiterates, tertiary institutions and the individual, possessed by these fresh graduates may not, to “Unless we ensure that best practices are corporate Ghana can lend support to help a large extent, meet industrial requirements. adhered to in our educational institutions, groom students by o ering them internship The syllabus structure of tertiary institutions, our graduates will be ill-prepared to slots while they are on vacation. Students which are largely theory oriented, may account compete.” He also makes a call on the need therefore should not only concentrate on for the lack of industrial experience of these for all stakeholders to be involved in passing their exams but go an extra mile to young graduates. Unlike their colleagues in addressing the challenges. use available resources to amass knowledge western countries, their rst contact of the real that would prepare them for the eld of work. working world is after graduation due to the Although the onus to produce graduates lack of facilities on various campuses to give who are industry-ready lies on the heads of HR8 Focus News News HR Focus9 IMPROVE STRUCTURES, NEWS GHANAIANS SELLING ECONOMIC BIRTH RIGHTS? GIVE PERSONS WITH DISABILITY A CHANCE very year, Ghana welcomes more foreign many Ghanaians would be employed to work E nationals into the country, especially in this port, especially the top positions? investors. In order not to take away the ith about 10% of Ghana’s populace of PWD friendly facilities, the livelihood of the local people, Government has Amongst the many troubles being created by W being Persons With Disabilities unwillingness of employers to put in place legislations that restrict the kind of this phenomenon is the migration of foreign (PWDs), the need to give them the chance employ their services or cultural stigmas established. Eight years down the line and business these expatriates can engage in. professionals to occupy vacant job openings to make contributions towards national that may not encourage their stay in no major improvement can be identi ed in the country. growth should become an issue of concern corporate institutions. from the situation in 2006. Most buildings, However, Ghanaians seem to be selling their to employers. especially corporate buildings in Ghana, birth right to foreigners, a situation worrying Ms. Fali Dzobo, an Independent HR An interview with Mr. Julius Akuokoh, have not upgraded their infrastructure to for national growth. Assessing the retail Professional, has suggested that the Ghana Ghana, like other countries, has laws that Communications O cer of the Ghana accommodate these people. market, a business which is solely reserved for Investment Promotion Center should build cover these less fortunate members of National Association of the Deaf (GNAD), Ghanaians (Ghana Investment Act, section 18), up a database of quali ed graduates in society in employment. In 2006, Parliament revealed that it has become prevalent for Nevertheless, by refusing PWDs the passed its seven hundred and fteenth Act, expatriates now own shops and are engaged culprit. There have been reports of the di erent elds. This she says would help the persons with disability to register reports opportunity to showcase their worth, we which is the Disability Act. Sections 10 to 15 in retailing, granting them the opportunity to Government of Ghana having an country provide local professionals to foreign of being denied employment because of are doing more harm to the nation’s of Act 715 are geared towards the determine the prices of goods on the market agreement with a London-based investors who wish to establish businesses in their status. However, there are no legal economy because they equally enjoy the promotion of the employment of PWDs, based on their foreign currencies. Small scale conglomerate, Lonrho Ports Ghana Limited the country, reducing unemployment. instruments that compel employers to nation’s resources without contributing however, these persons still su er mining, another sector exclusively reserved for to construct a free port at Atuabo, an action employ their services, leaving them their quota to its growth. Legal instruments discrimination in employment. Notable Ghanaians (Section 59 of the Minerals and that is in violation of PNDC Act 160. With Steps need to be taken to see that Ghanaians helpless. Mr. Akuokoh also mentioned that border on their welfare should amongst the issues that hinder their Mining Act, 2006, (Act 703)), has seen foreign this agreement, the foreign based rm enjoy their birth right in the elds of that in 2006, a ten-year policy aimed at therefore be implemented properly to inability to contribute their quota to nationals competing ercely for dominance, would have the sole right to plan, build, establishing businesses and controlling seeing all public buildings develop allow more of these vulnerable individuals national growth include the unavailability notably among them is the Chinese. develop, manage, maintain, operate and national wealth instead of “giving more room” disability friendly structures was nd themselves gainfully employed. control the port, an authority which, to foreign nationals to take over the Is the livelihood of Ghanaians being sold out to according to PNDC Act 160, rests with the economy. foreigners? The best party to help curb the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority. How looming situation seems to have become a WILL FANS BE A NECESSARY BOOST FOR THE BLACK STARS?
racing the performance of the tickets for the various matches will EDUCATION NOT MATCHING UP WITH INDUSTRIAL REQUIREMENTS T senior national football team, the cost about GH¢27,000, exclusive of Black Stars, since they rst appeared internal transportation and other at the mundial, their performance at miscellaneous expenses. hana sees over sixty thousand students these students on-the-job each appearance has caught the eye G graduating from tertiary institution experience. Those who nd of the football world, making them a Although the Minister for Youth and across the country yearly, however, a large themselves studying force to reckon with where African Sports, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, has given number of these graduates end up adding up programmes such as football teams are concerned. indication that the astronomical cost to the already existing huge number of medicine, however, may of sponsoring supporters to FIFA unemployed youth in the country. Since 2007, have some experience. On Monday, June 16, 2014, Ghana World Cup would compel the youth unemployment has increased by over 4 would commence her campaign to government to slash the number of million, totaling about 75 million and putting In an article written by the annex the most prestigious trophy of the supporters it would send to Brazil to the current global rate at 12.6% (ILO, 2012). President and Founder of Nonetheless, Government sponsorship of International Federation of Football support the Black Stars, some members of Overall, 40% of the global jobless people are Regent University College of fans to cheer the team on at the mundial Associations (FIFA), when she plays her public have kicked against the idea and are the youth. Science and Technology, is one of the issues that always erupts opening match against the USA during the encouraging government to rather invest Prof. Kwabena Larbi, titled during the World Cup season. During the World Cup tournament in Brazil. the money in other sectors of the economy. Whilst the unavailability of jobs on the market Rejoinder: The State of 2010 FIFA World Cup held in South Africa, may account for this phenomenon, the skills Ghana’s University Student, he reiterates, tertiary institutions and the individual, quite a colossal amount of money was To see the team have a successful With Ghana being drawn in group G with possessed by these fresh graduates may not, to “Unless we ensure that best practices are corporate Ghana can lend support to help used by government to airlift soccer tournament some companies such as the Germany, USA and Portugal, would the a large extent, meet industrial requirements. adhered to in our educational institutions, groom students by o ering them internship fanatics to South Africa; a decision which Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, sponsorship of fans to this year’s edition of The syllabus structure of tertiary institutions, our graduates will be ill-prepared to slots while they are on vacation. Students later became a major issue of discussion. Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited, the mundial in anyway enhance the team’s which are largely theory oriented, may account compete.” He also makes a call on the need therefore should not only concentrate on In 2014, the discussions may get more Unibank, Latex Foam, First Capital Plus Bank performance? Are there any lessons for HR for the lack of industrial experience of these for all stakeholders to be involved in passing their exams but go an extra mile to intense considering how much a round and Star Assurance have associated where employee motivation is concerned? young graduates. Unlike their colleagues in addressing the challenges. use available resources to amass knowledge trip to Brazil costs. Averagely, a round trip themselves with the team through western countries, their rst contact of the real that would prepare them for the eld of work. to Brazil, which takes care of a return sponsorships. working world is after graduation due to the Although the onus to produce graduates ticket, accommodation, feeding and lack of facilities on various campuses to give who are industry-ready lies on the heads of HR10 Focus News
NEWS WILL THE DEPENDENCE ON GOV’T TO CREATE JOBS FALL?
ince 2007, youth unemployment taskmasters who produced food and S has increased by over 4 million, timber with the talk masters who are totaling about 75 million and putting feeding us on air.” In his speech, he the current global rate at 12.6% (ILO, publicly decried the over dependence 2012). Overall, 40% of the global jobless on politics saying, "Politics has people are youth. This unfortunate rise substantially eroded the innate in unemployment worldwide has given creative mind and enterprising spirit of politicians from all divides the the modern day Ghanaian as many campaign message of creating jobs to resort to it as the surest way of making be used as a bait to amass the votes of it in life." He encouraged Asanteman the unemployed during the and Ghanaians at large to go back to electioneering year. Although their creative ways. programmes such as GYEEDA and NYEP were instituted by the government to In related developments, His explore more employment prospects in report, was numbering close to 400 million. Excellency John Mahama has also on the country, the situation has not improved Soon, the message of job creation used by many platforms, encouraged young people much. politicians may not yield the expected to venture into creating their own businesses, results with more youth embracing citing the CEO of Horseman Shoes, Mr. Tonyi The need to be innovative and create jobs entrepreneurship. Reading his speech Senayah as an example. seems to be catching up with more people. A during a durbar to mark 15 years as report released by the Global Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, stressed, With the spotlight on entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Monitor on January 19, “We have become addicted to a new Ghana should brace itself for a generation 2012, found an upsurge in entrepreneurship phenomenon of a talking-craft called that would strive to create jobs of their own around the world. The number of politics that has drained our people of all instead of depending on the government for entrepreneurs in 54 countries, according to the creativity and enterprise, and replaced the employment.
SSNIT TO GO BIOMETRIC
orkers who are signed on to the Social multiple delivery channels to enable their Speaking on the new innovation, Mr. Prince W Security and National Insurance Trust members’ have access to services from Prempeh, a Payroll O cer at L’AINE Services (SSNIT) will soon enjoy more comfort in Limited, welcomed the decision and spoke of accessing services through the Information the bene ts this would bring to workers, Kiosk. especially employers. He said that employers can now use the medium to track their At a day’s sensitization meeting held in Wa for contributions to the Trust, eliminate multiple members of the scheme, Mr. Henry Imoro, the registrations and wrong reference numbers, Wa SSNIT Branch Manager, revealed to which will assist employers validate their participants that SSNIT would soon embark on contribution data quicker. a biometric registration of all its members in the country. This he said is to give their The “Information Kiosk,” will have the members the opportunity to access biometric data of the bene ciaries to allow information about themselves through a smart them access their bene ciary statements and card christened “Information Kiosk” without update their records without necessarily having to come to their o ces. visiting the SSNIT O ces.
Mr. Henry Imoro said that members encounter challenges when they want to do business them through di erent avenues without with SSNIT hence, the need to open up coming to their o ces. 10 HR Focus News News HR Focus11 SOCIAL MEDIA TAKES CENTER STAGE NEWS WILL THE DEPENDENCE ON GOV’T TO CREATE JOBS FALL? IN RECRUITMENT ocial media continues to on social media platforms such S grow and now has over 1.2 as LinkedIn and Facebook S ince 2007, youth unemployment taskmasters who produced food and billion users worldwide. While it before inviting them for an has increased by over 4 million, timber with the talk masters who are has become a great tool for interview. Job seekers on the totaling about 75 million and putting feeding us on air.” In his speech, he companies to connect their other hand have the the current global rate at 12.6% (ILO, publicly decried the over dependence brands with consumers, it has opportunity to apply for jobs 2012). Overall, 40% of the global jobless on politics saying, "Politics has also become a valuable tool for and send their CVs to people are youth. This unfortunate rise substantially eroded the innate recruiters and job seekers. prospective employers through in unemployment worldwide has given creative mind and enterprising spirit of Current studies show that social social media for shortlisting. politicians from all divides the the modern day Ghanaian as many media use for hiring is at an LinkedIn, as an example, has campaign message of creating jobs to resort to it as the surest way of making all-time high with 92 percent of transformed the way people be used as a bait to amass the votes of it in life." He encouraged Asanteman companies using platforms like interact with recruiters. the unemployed during the and Ghanaians at large to go back to Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook Candidates can now apply for electioneering year. Although their creative ways. for recruitment. jobs by simply using their programmes such as GYEEDA and NYEP to a survey conducted of 1,200 senior LinkedIn URL rather than sending a were instituted by the government to In related developments, His LinkedIn is the top dog for social executives across Europe, having over 30 traditional CV. Equally, candidates are explore more employment prospects in report, was numbering close to 400 million. Excellency John Mahama has also on recruitment. The professional social per cent of its companies recruiting using using LinkedIn as their online CV and are the country, the situation has not improved Soon, the message of job creation used by many platforms, encouraged young people network was used by 93 percent of online networks. investing time in developing online much. politicians may not yield the expected to venture into creating their own businesses, companies in 2012, which is up from 78 pro les to increase their marketability. results with more youth embracing citing the CEO of Horseman Shoes, Mr. Tonyi percent in 2010. Facebook follows close Companies are now moving away from The need to be innovative and create jobs entrepreneurship. Reading his speech Senayah as an example. with 66% whilst Twitter has 54% of the traditional advertisement of job Soon there will be a complete shift from seems to be catching up with more people. A during a durbar to mark 15 years as recruiters using it platform. vacancies in newspapers and are now the traditional ways of recruitment report released by the Global Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, stressed, With the spotlight on entrepreneurship, taking to social media as their mode of towards a more technologically advanced Entrepreneurship Monitor on January 19, “We have become addicted to a new Ghana should brace itself for a generation Germany has been ranked the most advertising jobs. Aside the advertisement method of recruitment with social media 2012, found an upsurge in entrepreneurship phenomenon of a talking-craft called that would strive to create jobs of their own successful country in Europe in terms of a of jobs, recruiters with a click of a mouse at the center of the process. around the world. The number of politics that has drained our people of all instead of depending on the government for social media based recruitment according can scan through the pro le of applicants entrepreneurs in 54 countries, according to the creativity and enterprise, and replaced the employment. TYPE COMPANY CELEBRATES SSNIT TO GO BIOMETRIC 20 YEARS OF PRINT EXCELLENCE ype Company Limited celebrated 20 T years of quality printing and graphic orkers who are signed on to the Social multiple delivery channels to enable their Speaking on the new innovation, Mr. Prince design service in the form of a thanksgiving W Security and National Insurance Trust members’ have access to services from Prempeh, a Payroll O cer at L’AINE Services ceremony, showing gratitude for how far (SSNIT) will soon enjoy more comfort in Limited, welcomed the decision and spoke of they have come along their journey. accessing services through the Information the bene ts this would bring to workers, Kiosk. especially employers. He said that employers The thanksgiving ceremony dubbed, can now use the medium to track their “Celebrating 20 years of God’s Faithfulness At a day’s sensitization meeting held in Wa for contributions to the Trust, eliminate multiple in Business” took place on the 7th of May, members of the scheme, Mr. Henry Imoro, the registrations and wrong reference numbers, 2014, at the Lighthouse Chapel ‘Qodesh.’ Wa SSNIT Branch Manager, revealed to which will assist employers validate their participants that SSNIT would soon embark on contribution data quicker. In attendance were clients, friends and a biometric registration of all its members in well-wishers of the company, sharing in the the country. This he said is to give their The “Information Kiosk,” will have the joy of the sta and management of the members the opportunity to access biometric data of the bene ciaries to allow TYPE team. information about themselves through a smart them access their bene ciary statements and card christened “Information Kiosk” without update their records without necessarily Some notable personalities present were having to come to their o ces. visiting the SSNIT O ces. Mr. Ken Ashigbey, MD OF Graphic Solutions Ltd. and many others. The guests congratulated the company on the occasion of Communications Group, Mr. Ken Ofori-Attah, their 20th anniversary and commended them for their quality print and exceptional work. Mr. Henry Imoro said that members encounter former MD of Databank, Dr. Mrs Ellen challenges when they want to do business them through di erent avenues without Hagan, CEO of L’AINE Services Ltd, Rev. Ko Type started operation in November 1993 and has evolved to become a full print service with SSNIT hence, the need to open up coming to their o ces. Ankomah Asamoah, MD of Cleaning solutions provider with two printing facilities in Tesano, Accra.
Article HR Focus13
Be an Example Mr.Executive!: by Ebenezer Agbettor
e live in a fast-paced world and it payments, SADA and GYEEDA cases are making bribery, corruption or abuse of the W is not surprising to hear words great waves all over the country. country’s or company’s resources. such as “Hurry up!” “We are late!” “You’re Nobody is perfect, but let’s strive to do too slow!” among others, crop up in our It certainly takes strong values and principles to what is right as per company’s rules and fast-paced lives. We are clouded by the withstand the pressure and temptation to join regulations and in the sight of God. insatiable appetite for the acquisition of the crowd and partake in the activities that may material items, recognition or positions seem to bring great nancial gains and Mr. Executive, let not your lips and life through fair or foul means. We accept “success.” God’s creation, like the big oak tree, preach a mixed message. You do not this as “success” and hardly question the started as a tiny seed and went through various know who is watching and when your means through which it is attained. developmental stages before getting to the size actions might become an example to that we see and appreciate. As we go against others. 1Timothy 4:12, which states, “Be People have virtually become vampires; this law of nature, it is only misery that will an example to the believers in word, in sucking blood everywhere. Greed has eventually visit us. conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in been honey-coated and is now purity” is a good reminder and guide for described as “smartness to succeed.” Honesty, integrity, truthfulness, fairness have all all of us. Remember that a good The values governing our society, which become scarce commodities and people are example always makes a good sermon. rewards honesty and integrity, have compromising on all these virtues for the sake Those who cherish and live by example been thrown out. This may be more of making a quick kill. derive great bene ts in the long run. It common in the urban areas as guarantees peace, wellbeing, compared to our rural towns where Activities like deliberate disregard for prosperity, respect and goodwill. respect for good reputation and care for procedures, arm twisting, over and one another are still part and parcel of under-invoicing, kick-back, diverting resources, Mr. Manager! Mr. Executive! Choose to those societies. bribery, are not contagious but are carried out be an authentic expression of integrity, by people who choose to do so for personal love and sel essness. Let us not be the We are at present witnessing a whole gains. Well, let me remind you that we are hypocrite who prays range of revelations in the media of working for God and He has given us the on Sundays and preys alleged abuse of public funds by opportunity to use the talents He gave us to on neighbours from o cers entrusted to seek and work for make a di erence, honour Him and make a Monday to Saturday. the welfare of all. The amounts being living. Do not abuse the talent and the Be a light through mentioned are staggering sums of opportunity you have been given. your deeds and money that could have made a big diligent work. di erence in the lives of so many As managers and executives, let us all resist the Executive Director, Ghanaians. The judgment debt temptations that come our way to indulge in IHRMP - Ghana Ebenezer Agbettor 14 HR Focus HR Technology NEWS
AGILE WORKING, A TREND TO EXPLORE
hough not entirely new, agile working is T becoming the new way of working and is being explored by employers.
In the 20th Century, where technology was not at its peak, managers were keen on : having employee report to work each day and stationed mostly at their posts till close of business. With the advancement of PERFORMANCE technology in the 21st Century however, HR Technology: technology is playing a big role in distancing APPRAISAL SOFTWARE workers from the bricks-and-mortar, nine-to- ve workplace and brewing the new rom manpower planning, job evaluation and review process. This trend of agile working. The new method, F analysis and descripting, engaging system is perfect for small to based on trust and responsibility, allows for determining salaries and wages, mid-sized companies. more exible working conditions where work recruitment and selection, performance is to be done with guidelines but without appraisal, training and development, boundaries of how to achieve it. etc., there is never a dull moment in the activities of HR. But technology has HRM Direct Unilever, a major proponent of agile working come to make life easier and that of HR’s Recommended as a solution for small to began the agile journey 5 years ago. Their too. HR has gone sophisticated, having mid-sized companies, HRM Direct allows approach is all about o ering every its own technology that enhances the managers to easily post jobs and screen employee choice and empowerment around e ciency of its day to day activities. One candidates. Its automated reporting where and when they work, as long as their of such technology is the performance ensures Equal Employment Opportunities job can be done – a culture that has meant appraisal software. (EEO) and O ce of Federal Contract removing the arti cial measures of success, Compliance Programmes (OFCCP) and such as time and attendance, and focusing How it works assists with streamlining hiring. on results and performance. Performance Appraisal software has come to replace the frustrating and Standard Chartered Bank also started time-consuming paper-based exploring agile working a few years ago and employee performance appraisal TribeHR these are but a few of the companies in processes with a genuinely e ective TribeHR o ers stand-alone personnel Ghana that are exploring the trend. performance review cycle. These are tracking, applicant tracking, recruiting, some examples of software you can use, performance reviews, goal management, A 2012 Global Workforce study by Towers depending on your business type. absence management, and more. A social, Watson, titled Engagement at Risk: Driving intuitive, exible system designed for small Strong Performance in a Volatile Global to mid-sized businesses. Environment, discovered that about 47% of its global sample work remotely or are in Halogen Talent Management Suite some kind of exible working arrangement. It Halogen makes it easier for companies Sage HRMS (formerly Sage Abra) also discovered that those who fall within the to build and maintain a world-class When it comes to automating your percentage have more positive views and workforce. It provides industry-speci c evaluation and review processes, Sage perceptions of their jobs and organization solutions to address unique HRMS knows just what you need. than their o ce-bound peers. requirements and challenges in Developed for small and mid-sized healthcare, professional services, the businesses by expert HR professionals, this Although the concept of agile working may public sector and more. well-known, widely-used system was built not have gained grounds in the Ghanaian for HR departments that need a complete working environment, managers should suite of HR applications to optimize the consider exploring the prospects of the trend entire employment lifecycle. The system on productivity and cost cutting. Cornerstone Growth Edition includes core HR, talent management, Cornerstone Growth Edition should be workforce management and learning on the shortlist of software for anyone management capabilities. interested in making the most of their 15 Column HR Focus
For Those EVIL DAYS veryone deserves to be well rested your mortgage) before investing in vulture who vows to build a house every time E and enjoy life after they have worked retirement. it rains, only to postpone it after the rain all their lives and contributed their quota to stops. Issue a standing order so they can society. However, this is always not the case Don't be too greedy: Time has shown that deduct a certain amount from your salary in certain situations. You will be surprised to you can achieve solid, in ation-beating anytime you receive your salary. see people who have gone on retirement returns over the long term, but can easily take up extra jobs because their pension lose big if you try to double or triple your Invest in products you understand: If you money cannot cater for them and their money fast. Aim to save for a comfortable are unfamiliar with the risks and rewards of families. This situation can change with you retirement, not start a second career as a buying on the margin, or taking a short if you make the right moves towards your speculator. position on a biotech stock, leave them future retirement. Here is how… alone. Stick to investments that you There is no substitute for saving: Add understand. Pay o debt rst: Pay o high-cost debt every cedi you can spare to your retirement and commit to living debt-free (except for stash; do not spend it. Do not be like the MANAGEMENT TOOLS
This section brings to your table the 2. Be honest 4. Equip them with the right tools information you need to equip your line Building a relationship that is both If you are relying on line managers to managers with to help them carry out cooperative and collaborative is bene cial manage many of the day-to-day duties of their duties e ectively. to both HR and the line. Introducing a new people management, ensure that you give strategy or policy will involve a lot of line them the tools and equipment needed to 1. Coaching and development managers’ time and resources. Being make this as easy as possible. Easy access to Line managers now have a great deal of honest with them about why it is company policies and documents, and people management responsibility in important, what involvement is needed clearly de ned procedures help to make addition to their traditional workload. and asking them how they feel about it will tasks more manageable. Because they o er coaching, guidance and generate better buy-in from employees and carry out performance reviews, whilst help new HR initiatives come alive. Taking these into consideration saves line dealing with grievances and discipline, managers valuable time, it can also empower they need training to improve their 3. Timing of communications employees to take ownership of their own coaching and development skills in order When you are trying to communicate with information and personal development. to execute HR responsibilities. Having the any audience, timing is vital. Do not try to Source: snowdropskcs.co.uk correct tools will give line managers communicate with your line managers con dence and make them happier with during the busiest time for the business the extra responsibilities. because it is unlikely you will be heard. 16 HR Focus Theme Story
Outsourcing: Getting The Needed Help (...an answer to unemployment?) by James Laar espite the success of outsourcing; to outsource one task or the other. You can run your business 24/7 when D grounded on good principles and Companies outsource primarily to cut down required ethics, many organizations still haven’t on costs. It is interesting to know that the seen the rosy picture yet. Some goal is not just about saving cost but a Reduced turnaround time, improved companies decide to outsource dynamic and continuous transformation service delivery and customer because of fear of being left out, that will keep your company healthy and satisfaction however, the happier ones are those competitive. You can also reap other who properly conceived and followed bene ts of strategic outsourcing such as: Competitive edge the right principles and are making big gains. Today, business success and Value addition and expansion Reduced overheads outsourcing success are inseparable because outsourcing can give you the Access to skilled expertise Increased business and generation of needed head-start to great business. more pro t Sta ng exibility Just outsource so that you can get the Most companies, for example, will only needed help. Outsourcing basically Financial exibility incur cost of certain set-skilled labour when means asking a third-party vendor to it becomes necessary to respond to work for you on a contractual basis. By Market exibility customers’ demand for products or services outsourcing to a third party, your within a speci ed period. For such business can focus on what it does best Focus on core business activities companies, they do not have to keep such and gain a competitive edge in the workers on their payroll permanently, but marketplace. Increased in-house e ciency can have access to them as and when they need them through an outsourced service Whether your organization is a large Better risk management because you provider. On the contrary, if the workers are commercial or small business that not outsourced, the companies will have to provides products and services to Share your risk with the outsource pay wages and bear other related costs or customers, you can take advantage of provider overheads whether the employees worked outsourcing. Most organizations need or not. That is what we call exible sta ng 17 Theme Story HR Focus
in order to reduce costs and maximize Many countries will outsource to Ghana place. While the multinationals like returns. By accessing the providers’ because of its stable democratic Coca-Cola, Guinness, Barclays, Ghacem, skilled expertise and tapping all of the environment, low-cost labor, strategic Tullow, and others are seriously building above bene ts, the companies add position on the equator, sharing the same their books and bene ting from value to their products and services for time zone with the UK, tax exemptions on outsourcing, majority of our local greater e ciency and expansion. customs duty for R&D, strong laws on companies are still sleeping and haven’t patents and copyright legislation. Despite yet heard of outsourcing as an opportunity Big companies like IBM, Dell, Microsoft, all these, Ghana needs to expose itself as a that needs capitalizing on. Accenture, and others lowered their dynamic player in the global sourcing costs and boosted their pro ts when market by creating visibility for its BPO How to outsource they outsourced to India, Indonesia, industry and improving infrastructure, It is worth mentioning that the simple China, Singapore, Ghana, etc. increasing the number of skilled workers, statement -“outsourcing saves money -” Outsourcing abroad helps create jobs improving telecommunications, resolving may be fatal and can lure businesses into and business opportunities in the ethnic issues, and improving education in outsourcing without considering both destination countries. However, it hurts order to boost foreign investments in the faces of the coin. “Outsourcing saves the workers who lose jobs and those country. money, but only if you get the deal right.” who lose the prospect of jobs in their Like any other business venture, proper home countries. In many cases, the This year, the Ghana government, through planning and research is necessary before American working publics have called the Ministry of Communication, is building choosing an outsourcing partner. The on the US government to put measures some IT infrastructure (ICT parks at the free challenge is that any company that takes in place to stop US companies from zone enclave in Tema and Accra, funded by the strategic decision to make a move to outsourcing abroad. However, Samuel the World Bank and the Rockefeller outsource its business units must Palmisano, Chief Executive of IBM, in Foundation) as a way of getting ready to overcome the burning ethical issues by the debate room said, “We have no welcome more o shoring from abroad. As choosing the right service provider with choice; with globalization, it is critical to part of this programme, the Ministry has the required experience. One of the easiest tap the lower costs and unique skills of also trained some graduates in Business ways to judge service providers is by labor abroad to remain competitive.” Process Outsourcing through the Ghana looking at their track record in the Technology University College. If Ghana is provision of outsourced services. If the able to market its Jamescapability Laar and provide vendor has a good record of meeting infrastructure for outsourcing to the world clients’ needs and keeping them happy, and attract at least a quarter of what the then you should add them to your What is world outsources to India, it could employ shortlist. The provider should have the well over 550,000 (1/4 X 2,200,000) people ability to forge good relationship and work thereby raising standards of living of the with your business' goals. Also, look out for Ghana people in its middle-lower income country outsourcing providers who employ status. world-class work environs and systematic doing HR processes because the environment Ghana has gold but bene ts very little from counts a lot. Solid infrastructure, data about gold. We cannot be sure if our cocoa will security, and con dentiality of information ever perform the miracle either, and the on your core competences are some Outsourcing? least talked about our oil the better. For all parameters that need to be looked at when you know, BPO could be the key to entering into an outsourcing arrangement. Comments like the one made by Mr. unlocking the gate to resource Above all, do not ignore past customer Palmisano turn to favour outsourcing employment and economic prosperity. references as this can give you insight into destination countries. Ghana is one of Outsourcing has worked for India as it has how risk-proof an outsourcing vendor the fastest developing nations for for Indonesia, Philippines and China, and so might be. Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) it can for Ghana. today and is currently ranked 21st in the In outsourcing, you only need to world and 2nd in Africa after Egypt on The case for indigenous companies understand what task to outsource, select the world’s top outsourcing countries. If the world’s biggest companies are the right vendor and get the needed help. Ghana also serves as the central leader outsourcing to tap lower costs and unique How easy is that! in the ICT sector of West Africa. This skills of labour from our country to remain notwithstanding, Ghana has to do a lot competitive, one would expect our Sources more for its Business Process indigenous companies in the country to www.Sourcingline.com Outsourcing, like the way India (ranked take advantage of these enabling www.thecountriesof.com 1st in the world) has done, in order to opportunities. This will help to lower costs www.businessweek.com attract the world’s biggest companies and get exible sta ng and skilled to outsource and provide jobs for our expertise from experienced outsourcing people. providers to expand and grow their General Manager, James Laar business and be competitive in the market L’AINE Outsourcing
19 Column HR Focus WHAT’S NEW ?
very organisation’s assetThe is its human New see transformation ofHR the function as both Model a experience in the business itself, rather than E resource; this is something HR knows personal mission and the most important only in HR. very well. Strategizing on how to e ectively means for contributing to business success. cater for its assets is what HR seeks to do 4. A new role – the People Development daily. This means shedding o old ideas 2. HR Centers of Expertise (COEs) must Manager – will be created with that are no longer working, and bringing shed transactional services to drive new responsibility for coaching line managers to on board fresh models for HR optimization. thinking: help them re ne their people management In next generation HR functions, skills. Mercer, an American global human transactional work will be shifted out of the resource and related nancial services COEs to Shared Services or to external 5. Shared Services and outsourcing are consulting rm, has come up with new HR partners. keys to achieving the strategic model: models which they believe will enhance the In the HR function of the future, most of HR’s role of HR in dealing with the next 3. HR needs fewer Business Partners and resources and the bulk of its administrative, generation of workforce. they must fully embrace their new role: transactional and operational work will be Business Partners will work on an equal located in Shared Services. Transactions that 1. HR leaders need a new perspective for footing with senior management, directly cannot be resolved in the service center will transformation to work this time: advising and supporting these leaders as be addressed via face-to-face interaction In order to establish the next generation HR they make strategic people decisions. In with the HR Case Manager. service delivery model, the HR leader must fact, many Business Partners will have direct HR20 Focus Personality Spotlight Approachable HR
MuparadziMs. Tina HR Director, Airtel Ghana I love to plan, and once l know what l want, l am like a dog with a bone; I commit to my plan until l achieve the “ outcome that l want no matter the challenges. I get surprised at some of the things that l have done, which seemed impossible as l was doing them. On the other hand, my Achilles Heel is also that l am like a dog with a bone; l have paid a high price for some things that even though l set out to achieve, with hindsight, l should have let go of.”- Tina Muparadzi, 2014
Ms. Tina Muparadzi, describes herself as a mother, an aunt, a sister, a coach, a mentor, a colleague, a manager and a child of God. She says,” I love all the roles l play in these relationships: so diverse and rewarding.” Ms. Tina Muparadzi is the HR Director of Airtel Ghana and she tells us more about herself…
HRF: What are your hobbies? people call it luck but l believe it was God’s plan. I have worked TM: I love to read – my colleagues and l have just nished very hard and made a lot of personal sacri ces, but l would never reviewing David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell. I watch a lot see them as setbacks, just how l was meant to get to where l am of tennis and Formula 1 racing. I could not believe that l was able today. to attend the inaugural Formula 1 race in Bahrain as l was living there at the time. If l can get myself into a gym, l do like working HRF: What one thing, if any, have you learnt from your position? out and am quite committed if l have a training goal l want to TM: I absolutely love being an HR Director - because there is a achieve. If l wasn’t doing what l do now, l would be in the air tendency to homogenize people which you can’t do in this transport business, just so that l can travel. position. l have to appreciate the needs of all our team members, respond to them, manage their expectations and design HRF: How did you get to your current position? initiatives that resonate with them. Not always easy, l tell you, but TM: My being here is a result of career planning, actually. I had so rewarding when you get it right. been in the group o ce (Celtel, Zain and Airtel) for six years and always wondered what happened to all the initiatives we HRF: What has been your most challenging moment in the HR churned out to be implemented in the countries. So when the profession and how did you deal with it? opportunity came in Ghana, l grabbed it with the support of my TM: Downsizing. I have had to do this several times and it simply manager and Philip Sowah, the MD in Ghana. doesn’t get easy with experience. What makes the experience better is how as an organization we prepare for the separation. HRF: What major setbacks, if any, did you encounter in your When l feel satis ed that the best outcome was achieved for the career? organization and each individual, l rest easier. TM: I have been blessed in my career as l have had role models, mentors and very supportive line managers along the way. HRF: How would you describe your leadership style? Sometimes l was in the right place at the right time. Some TM: I am a situational leader through and through probably Personality Spotlight HR Focus21 because of my psychology background. HRF: What have been some of Airtel’s your teams will interact and it becomes a Every situation has its merits, which need achievements and how did HR contribute to source of disengagement when the to be taken into consideration. However, them? practices are so di erent. on the task-people continuum, l am TM: We have won numerous awards for results oriented. Give me my results and Customer Experience, CSR, Airtel Money, HRF: As the HR Director, is there any new you will enjoy great empowerment – the list goes on and on. Our outgoing MD, HR policy or innovation that you have freedom to act and decide. Having said Philip Sowah, was recently adjudged Best implemented for which you suggest other that, l am very open-minded and CEO in the telecommunications industry. practitioners adopt? extremely approachable. Within the Airtel family, Airtel Ghana has TM: We have launched an automated HR delivered very strong nancial performance Shared Service in Ghana. It is remarkable HRF: HR is often seen as bureaucratic and for most of the quarters in its existence. We how this is freeing our time to focus on unapproachable, how have you worked have some of the strongest functional more value adding services that bring us to ensure this is not the case at Airtel teams across Airtel Africa. closer to the business. Ghana? TM: Early on, I was aware of the HR is a partner to the business and we share HRF: What are some of your corporate reputation of HR but l don’t believe this is in the success of each of our business social responsibilities (CSR) and why did the case in 2014. Even if we wanted to be functions – we don’t win the best Customer you choose such projects? bureaucratic and unapproachable, our Experience award without having well TM: Airtel’s focus on CSR has traditionally internal clients are too sophisticated to trained and motivated people. Our new been on education. We have adopted accept that. At Airtel Ghana, we spend a businesses; Airtel Money and Enterprise, schools where we refurbish them and signi cant amount of time talking to our would not be registering the successes that maintain focus on the schools yearly. In team members, involving as many they are without our people. HR in Airtel addition, we recently launched an initiative people as possible in rolling out Ghana is a very fascinating place to be where an individual can identify a project initiatives. We have workshops, because we have broken all the stereotypes in their community for which they would roadshows and clinics to clarify policies, that the HR profession carries. like their colleagues and the company to procedures and processes. My entire support. Donations are collected and the executive committee colleagues are HRF: In this edition, HR Focus magazine is company also provides support. We also involved in this as people leaders. This working on the theme, “Outsourcing” what respond to public calls for help and a case demysti es HR and what we do. A lot of is your view on the subject? in point is when we donated a generator to the time this perception about HR is TM: I am a fan of outsourcing. If there is the School for the Deaf. You will be aware caused by people not understanding someone who can do the job for you, does of the work we did at the University of how decisions about them are made. It is it better than you and is aligned to where Cape Coast Medical School and our very a process which we work on all the time. your business is going, then l say, go for it. It famous Touching Lives TV series. leaves you with time to be more strategic HRF: What are some of the most di cult and focused on your core business. Airtel At Airtel Ghana, we are very proud of the issues you have had to solve as an HR Ghana has a big outsource ecosystem and work we have done in CSR and the reach of Director? we have learnt valuable lessons from this. our initiatives. We once again won the TM: The life of an HR Director is a busy Ghana Telecoms Award for Best CSR one. Everyone believes that their issue is HRF: What can companies do to maximize Company for our sustainable contribution urgent and extremely important. Some the bene ts they get from outsourcing? towards humanity in Ghana. of the big organizational headaches l TM: Do not rush outsourcing. Other than have include balancing my approved the outsourcing company doing the work HRF: Finally, how do you unwind after a budget with the unending list of things for you, it is important that your values and hard day’s work? that l would love to do for the teams. those of the outsource partner are aligned. TM: I love music, so that plus a nice glass of Prioritizing becomes important and Treat your outsource company as a partner Chardonnay and a good book will do it for negotiating with my colleagues on what and not a vendor, treat their teams as an me. is a “must do,” “nice to do” and “to be extension of your organization so that you frozen” becomes an art in itself. create a sense of belonging.
HRF: Run us through the history and Have the skills and governance structures Qualifications: operations of Airtel Ghana. that help you manage and maintain service TM: Airtel Ghana o cially launched as level agreements between you and your Bsc in Psychology (Honours) Zain in 2008. Zain Ghana was rebranded partners. University of Zimbabwe Airtel Ghana in 2010 after Zain sold its African operations to Bharti Airtel. The Evaluate your partner’s performance Msc. in Organisational Psychology company, thus, changed hands from formally and regularly both at University of Bristol, UK Middle East owners to an India-based organizational level and at employee level. owner. Airtel Ghana is one of the largest Just like you have HR processes and policies Msc. in Consulting Coaching for Change telecommunications companies in that determine how people are treated at HEC School of Management, France Ghana and is the 2nd largest data work, it is important that your partners have company. We have over 3.5 million the same and that you have visibility of their customers. HR practices. This is very important because
23 HR Terms HR Focus
Questions DO YOU KNOW YOUR Hitting HR HR TERMS? with Dr. Mrs. Ellen Hagan Chief Executive of L’AINE Services Limited 360 Survey: An employee feedback programme whereby an employee is rated by surveys I nd myself with a colleague who speaks I have been working as an HR generalist distributed to his or her co-workers, a lot of ills about the company we work for 20 years and have played key roles in customers, and managers. HR departments for and does not nd anything good with a number of performance management may use this feedback to help develop an the company. I think her attitude is not projects in many companies across the individual’s skill or they may integrate it into the best for my personal growth and the country. I am keen on trying my hand at performance management programmes. growth of the company. How do I deal consulting in this area. Where do I start? with this colleague? Start by evaluating your t as a consultant. Some people exude negativity. They do Do you enjoy working alone? Are you Agile Organization: not like their jobs or the company. These self-motivated and disciplined? One of the Also known as agile manufacturing, this is a negative thinkers are found in almost most commonly overlooked elements of term applied to an organization that has every organization and you can best consulting is selling. Do you have sales created the processes, tools, and training to address their impact on you through skills? enable it to respond quickly to customer avoidance. needs and market changes, while still Choose Your Niche. There are plenty of controlling costs and quality. In some instances, their reasons for generalists out there. Resist the negativity are legitimate. For such people, temptation to join the crowd. Find a niche clarify their statement and ask if they area of HR and focus on that. Choose one would like your help to solve the problem. or two areas of specialization that you Bumping: If they ask for help, provide advice or know well. Giving long-standing employees, whose ideas, which may include pointing out to positions are to be eliminated, the option of helpful books, seminars, or the Human Create a Business Plan. Even taking other positions within the company Resources department to solve their independence requires marketing and that they are quali ed for and that are problem. business planning. Creating a company currently held by employees with less name and corporate identity are good rst seniority. Know your limits when advising steps. Determine whether or not you'll co-workers. Some negative thinkers just need o ce space, or if you'll work from want a listening ear and the longer you home. Consult an accountant and stay with them, the more they in uence attorney to determine whether or not Constructive Dismissal: your line of thought. Tell the negative incorporation is necessary. An employer’s behaviour (either one co-worker that you prefer to think about serious incident or a pattern of incidents) your job positively. If all else fails, talk to Manage Your Expectations. It's important creates a negative work environment, your own supervisor or human resources to go into a consulting venture with leading to an employee’s resignation. Such sta about the challenges you are realistic expectations. It's easy to call behaviour is considered a breach of experiencing in dealing with the negative yourself a consultant, but not so easy to contract and gives the employee the right person. say you're a successful consultant. Do you to seek compensation in court. have the means to support yourself while Scan and You can get you build your consulting empire? Due Diligence: real time answers to Talk to other HR consultants to hear their In mergers and acquisitions, the process of your questions on our experiences and get their advice. The carefully investigating the details of an facebook page more thinking, listening and planning you investment or purchase to assess risk and do, the better your odds of making it in potential value and reward. https://www.facebook.com/home.php the freelance economy. HR24 Focus Business Spotlight
Global Talent Pipeline International
ndeed, Ghana’s oil and gas prospects are signi cant. Recent discoveries are that the country’s oil and gas resources stretch I across the country’s shoreline from Cape Three points in the West to Keta in the East. The Volta Basin is also believed to hold oil and gas reserves. Government, through the Ghana National Petroleum Company, is seeking to fully maximize Ghana’s prospects in the oil industry. It has recently sought to extend the country’s continental shelf to increase the country’s oil and gas scope.
Global Talent Pipeline International, a Ghana based company headed up by Ghanaian’s, has partnered with Maxwell Drum- mound Internatioanal, Talent Reservoir and Carlton Resource Solutions, a collection of leading global Oil & gas recruiting companies to deliver worldclass executive search, contingent recruitment and payrolling services consultancy to the Ghana- ian and West African Oil & Gas and Natural Resources Industries.
The Consortium is the leading executive search, contingent recruitment and payrolling services organisation to the global energy industry with over 30 years experience in global resourcing. They have more than 1,400 successful searches in the past 10 years, and experience in more than 50 countries, making them a true leader in energy executive search. They are the largest oil and gas focused executive search team in the world.
With its rigorous approach, depth of energy industry expertise, international reach and unsurpassed network of contacts, the Consortium is unrivalled in the ability to GTPI in collaboration with Carlton Resource Solutions provides expertise in handling contingent recruitment for contract and sta deliver the highest quality results and is strategically hires. Carlton provides high calibre local, national and located with o ces in Accra, Aberdeen, Calgary, Houston, international contract sta across a broad range of disciplines London, Rio de Janeiro, Singapore and India. including Accountancy, Finance, Tax and Legal, Blue Collar and Professional Trades, Commercial, Engineering and Technical, HR and Training, Health Safety and Environment (HSE), Industrial, Information Technology, Projects, Project Management, O ce Support, Purchasing and Supply Chain.
GTPI in collaboration with Talent Reservoir provides strategic GTPI in collaboration with Carlton Resource Solutions also volume recruitment; proactively recruiting against a global provides in-house domestic and international payroll services for Manpower Plan to enable a signi cant reduction in recruitment contractors and temporary workers, and tax advice when needed. cycle times and allows a single source solution. Global Talent Another service that is provided is Leadership Consulting and Pipeline understands that attracting and retaining the right talent Organisational Development, and Competitor or Global Market is imperative in today's increasingly competitive marketplace. The Mapping, using a comprehensive tool kit and experienced team of appropriate rewards strategies are critical, and therefore the team search experts available to help clients better understand the has the ability to gather detailed compensation intelligence that competitive marketplaces they operate in. Search teams provide will shape, or reinforce, an organisation’s ability to achieve talent con dential analysis of competitor organizations by utilizing objectives. rigorous in-house research techniques. HR24 Focus Business Spotlight Business Spotlight HR Focus25
Global Talent Pipeline International ndeed, Ghana’s oil and gas prospects are signi cant. Recent discoveries are that the country’s oil and gas resources stretch I across the country’s shoreline from Cape Three points in the West to Keta in the East. The Volta Basin is also believed to hold oil and gas reserves. Government, through the Ghana National Petroleum Company, is seeking to fully maximize Ghana’s prospects in the oil industry. It has recently sought to extend the country’s continental shelf to increase the country’s Ghana’s petroleum industry is divided into the upstream and downstream sector. The oil and gas scope. upstream activities include the procurement and re ning of crude oil by the nation’s only petroleum re nery, Tema Oil Re nery (TOR). The downstream activities include the Global Talent Pipeline International, a Ghana based company headed up by Ghanaian’s, has partnered with Maxwell Drum- marketing and distribution of petroleum products by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) mound Internatioanal, Talent Reservoir and Carlton Resource Solutions, a collection of leading global Oil & gas recruiting and the pre-mixing of petroleum products for other industrial uses. Global Talent Pipeline companies to deliver worldclass executive search, contingent recruitment and payrolling services consultancy to the Ghana- International has the mission to be recognized by clients, people and communities as the ian and West African Oil & Gas and Natural Resources Industries. leading executive search consultancy for the global energy industry, and thus has a proven track record with a broad range of clients including National Oil Companies, Super The Consortium is the leading executive search, contingent recruitment and payrolling services organisation to the global Majors, Large and Mid-Cap Exploration and Production companies, Multinational Service Companies, Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) Contractors, and Financial energy industry with over 30 years experience in global resourcing. They have more than 1,400 successful searches in the Institutions. “We partner with clients across the entire energy value chain; from upstream, past 10 years, and experience in more than 50 countries, making them a true leader in energy executive search. They are the midstream and downstream companies, to oil eld service, drilling and engineering largest oil and gas focused executive search team in the world. contracting, commodities and banking.”
Global Talent Pipeline International thrives on the following core values in order to bring the best services to their clients; With its rigorous approach, depth of energy industry Integrity: as a company and as individuals we will constantly maintain the expertise, international reach and unsurpassed network of highest standards of integrity. We will act responsibly, we will respect privacy contacts, the Consortium is unrivalled in the ability to GTPI in collaboration with Carlton Resource Solutions provides expertise in handling contingent recruitment for contract and sta and corporate con dentiality, we will listen and understand and we will always deliver the highest quality results and is strategically hires. Carlton provides high calibre local, national and be transparent and accountable to our clients, our candidates and our located with o ces in Accra, Aberdeen, Calgary, Houston, international contract sta across a broad range of disciplines colleagues. London, Rio de Janeiro, Singapore and India. including Accountancy, Finance, Tax and Legal, Blue Collar and Professional Trades, Commercial, Engineering and Technical, HR Quality and Value: we pride ourselves on the quality, value and precision of our and Training, Health Safety and Environment (HSE), Industrial, service. We are committed to delivering lasting results and maintaining Information Technology, Projects, Project Management, O ce competitive advantage. We will judge our individual and company success on Support, Purchasing and Supply Chain. the value we deliver to our clients.
GTPI in collaboration with Talent Reservoir provides strategic GTPI in collaboration with Carlton Resource Solutions also Passion: we will be passionate about what we do and how we do it. We will stay volume recruitment; proactively recruiting against a global provides in-house domestic and international payroll services for focused and pursue creative solutions so we can best address our clients’ needs.. Manpower Plan to enable a signi cant reduction in recruitment contractors and temporary workers, and tax advice when needed. cycle times and allows a single source solution. Global Talent Another service that is provided is Leadership Consulting and Continual Improvement: we will receive feedback graciously and acknowledge Pipeline understands that attracting and retaining the right talent Organisational Development, and Competitor or Global Market our mistakes, striving to learn and improve ourselves and our performance. is imperative in today's increasingly competitive marketplace. The Mapping, using a comprehensive tool kit and experienced team of appropriate rewards strategies are critical, and therefore the team search experts available to help clients better understand the Health and Wellbeing: we will always put health and the safety of our people, has the ability to gather detailed compensation intelligence that competitive marketplaces they operate in. Search teams provide our clients, our candidates and our visitors ahead of all other considerations. will shape, or reinforce, an organisation’s ability to achieve talent con dential analysis of competitor organizations by utilizing objectives. rigorous in-house research techniques. Global Talent Pipeline International provides a complete 360° recruitment solution.
26 HR Focus Event Spotlight 2ND EDITION OF UNILEVER IdeaTrophy BUSINESS CHALLENGE LAUNCHED
he second edition of the Challenge and the target is 25-35 year T Unilever IdeaTrophy Business old mothers in urban and rural area, and Challenge has been launched in children between 6 -12 years old.” Accra and is underway. The Leadership Development Manager, The launch, which took place at the Mercy Wanyoni gave the rules and Best Western Premier Hotel, brought phases of the competition. ”Students together personalities including the from various institutions are to form Director of Ministry of Education, groups of three and work on a business Management of Unilever Ghana plan. There will be three phases; brief for Limited, heads of various tertiary idea submission, brief for business plan institutions, students and the media. and brief for execution plan.”
In introducing the IdeaTrophy She advised students to visit Business Challenge, Mr. Stendert www.ideatrophy-uwa.com for further Krommendam, HR Director of information on the challenge. Unilever, said Unilever is the preferred employer across all Mr. Morrison Opam Adjei, Director, industries and countries and has the Ghana Education Service, commended responsibility to help Ghana develop Unilever for their conviction to develop the next generation of leaders. leaders, adding that the IdeaTrophy “Students will realize how business Challenge is a step in the right direction. works in real life and how to work in the corporate environment.” The Challenge’s website was unveiled and subsequently declared launched by On her part, the Managing Director of Mrs. Maidie Arkutu, Managing Director Unilever, Maidie Arkutu, further of Unilever and Mr. Morrison Opam explained that the challenge was to Adjei, Director, Ghana Education Service. “enable young people to begin to ask the question, why?” She said this will help change the concept of leadership.
Mr. Clarence Nartey, Brand Building Director of Unilever Ghana, revealed that with 3.1 milliion neonatal deaths occurring globally each year, it was imperative to change the behaviour of Ghanaians and inculcate the habit of hand-washing.
Mr. Nartey said the IdeaTrophy Business Challenge is to project the Lifebuoy brand and help change behaviour through awareness, commitment, reinforcement, and reward. “We want to change the lives of one million Ghanaians through the Agenda HR Focus27
AGENDA: THE RECENT LABOUR UNREST n this issue, we wish to set an their grievances to be addressed. This I agenda; that is, to shed light on the however did not materialize, hence their recent labour unrest in the country, the March 3 ultimatum to government. demands the agitators are making, and juxtaposing it with every organisation’s AS IT STANDS overall goal -productivity. This is not the rst time doctors have threatened a strike action. This incident Barely a year ago, there were reports in seems to recur every year in the country. It the media regarding the Ghana Medical is not just the doctors, but nurses, teachers, association’s resolution not to withdraw members of the trade union and the likes. its strike action until government Every sector has grievances that need to be resolved certain anomalies in their resolved. salaries. YOUR VIEW Recently, the members of the Ghana As we entreat workers, especially, those Medical Association (GMA) were in the who provide essential services like health to news again; this time, to embark on a have patience when addressing issues of strike action again if certain imbalances labour, we also ask employers to address in their salaries were not amended by grievances on time so that it does not lead March 3, 2014. The ultimatum was to a strike action or lockout. What we know issued as a result of the National Labour is that this a ects productivity and brings Commission’s (NLC) failure to compel about a lot of tension and loss of lives. the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission Industrial harmony is an important factor to (FWSC) to pay members their the success of every organisation and to the conversion di erence, nine months growth of the nation. after the latter ruled on the issue. We therefore ask you, our reader, this The Labour Act does permit workers like question, “What can employers do to doctors, the police, military, etc. to prevent their employees from embarking embark on a strike action. The law, on a strike action?” and in your view, “What however, gives two weeks period for can the government do to prevent this?”
29 Article HR Focus
Are You Loving The Meeting? o not raise your brows at me drags on for more than 2 hours, thus, 4. Manage the discussion D because I say I love meetings. I meetings must be kept short and concise. A meeting is a forum for discussion, not have spent hours of my life joining in the Ideally, meetings should not last more than delivery of information. The views of intriguing moments where people two hours without a break. Anything longer everyone should be taken into account come together to brainstorm and will cause people to lose focus and and notes be taken of everything in uence each other’s thoughts. attention. Show respect to the participants discussed during the meeting. Do not Coordinating a fruitful meeting is an art by adhering zealously to the schedule. waste the group’s time on what that needs to be learnt by people who Sticking to a schedule also forces you to participants can do individually; instead, chair meetings because meetings form keep the meeting focused. use the power of the group for discussion. a vital part of every organization. They Strive to reduce the distractions that occur help in the dissemination of 2. Invite the right people during the meeting; entertaining too information, generation of ideas and The people who partake in a meeting many distractions can drag the meeting. consensus building. The bad news determine how successful the meeting however is that managing e ective could be. It is recommended that you 5. Summarize the meeting meetings have become a challenge for intentionally create a participants list of the At the end of a meeting, be very deliberate most managers. They are swamped with necessary contributors whose presence is and thoughtful about restating the so much work that they spend less time required at the meeting. decisions that have been taken by the thinking through or planning meetings group. Do a detailed recap of the meeting beforehand. This makes most meetings 3. Develop a clear agenda in a document and circulate to all ine ective, ine cient and sometimes a Developing an agenda provides a structure participants to ensure everyone is on the waste of time. It is necessary for and a road map to achieving a successful same page. managers to plan meetings if they want meeting. Know what you want to to achieve a high yielding yet a short accomplish in the meeting and be Make your meetings as interesting, lively and concise meeting. Here are few tips purposeful in designing the agenda. and as interactive as you can and you can that can be adopted to make your Address the most important items rst in be sure of having everyone in your team meetings more productive: developing an agenda and try to circulate falling in love with meetings. the agenda to all participants at least a day 1. Set a de nite time frame prior to the meeting. This way, everyone is Research has proven that most humans prepared for the discussion. lose concentration when one thing
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www.siriuspropertiesgh.com HR30 Focus Bites on the Run BITES ON THE RUN
Good Morning Smoothie Directions Directions Heat olive oil in a small pan over medium Combine sugar, soy sauce, water, garlic, heat and ginger in a large stock pot; stir until Ingredients Cook and stir eggs until eggs are set, 3 to sugar is dissolved. Place chicken in stock 1 1/4 cups orange juice, preferably 5 minutes. pot and bring to a boil. Using tongs, turn calcium-forti ed Place black beans in a microwave-safe chicken in pot every 5 minutes 1 banana bowl 1 1/4 cups frozen berries such as Heat on high in the microwave until Boil chicken until no longer pink at the raspberries, blackberries, blueberries warm, about 1 minute bone and juices run clear for about 35 and/or strawberries Divide warmed black beans between minutes. Sauce mixture will turn into a 1/2 cup low-fat silken tofu, or low-fat two bowls. rich, brown glaze. Remove pot from heat plain yogurt Top each bowl with scrambled eggs, and let cool 10 minutes 1 tablespoon sugar avocado, and salsa Season with salt and black pepper Place chicken on a platter and sprinkle Directions with chopped green onions Combine orange juice, banana, berries, tofu Source: allrecipes.com (or yogurt) and sugar in a blender
Cover and blend until creamy. Serve immediately.
Soy Sauce Chicken
Black Bean Breakfast Bowl Ingredients 1 cup white sugar Ingredients 1 cup soy sauce 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup water 4 eggs, beaten 1/4 cup minced garlic 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained 1/4 cup minced fresh ginger and rinsed 5 pounds bone-in chicken thighs with 1 avocado, peeled and sliced skin 1/4 cup salsa salt and ground black 1/4 cup chopped green onions pepper to taste HR30 Focus Bites on the Run BITES ON THE RUN
Good Morning Smoothie Directions Directions Heat olive oil in a small pan over medium Combine sugar, soy sauce, water, garlic, heat and ginger in a large stock pot; stir until Ingredients Cook and stir eggs until eggs are set, 3 to sugar is dissolved. Place chicken in stock 1 1/4 cups orange juice, preferably 5 minutes. pot and bring to a boil. Using tongs, turn calcium-forti ed Place black beans in a microwave-safe chicken in pot every 5 minutes 1 banana bowl 1 1/4 cups frozen berries such as Heat on high in the microwave until Boil chicken until no longer pink at the raspberries, blackberries, blueberries warm, about 1 minute bone and juices run clear for about 35 and/or strawberries Divide warmed black beans between minutes. Sauce mixture will turn into a 1/2 cup low-fat silken tofu, or low-fat two bowls. rich, brown glaze. Remove pot from heat plain yogurt Top each bowl with scrambled eggs, and let cool 10 minutes 1 tablespoon sugar avocado, and salsa Season with salt and black pepper Place chicken on a platter and sprinkle Directions with chopped green onions Combine orange juice, banana, berries, tofu Source: allrecipes.com (or yogurt) and sugar in a blender
Cover and blend until creamy. Serve immediately.
Soy Sauce Chicken
Black Bean Breakfast Bowl Ingredients 1 cup white sugar Ingredients 1 cup soy sauce 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup water 4 eggs, beaten 1/4 cup minced garlic 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained 1/4 cup minced fresh ginger and rinsed 5 pounds bone-in chicken thighs with 1 avocado, peeled and sliced skin 1/4 cup salsa salt and ground black 1/4 cup chopped green onions pepper to taste 32 HR Focus Article
The Unforgettable
by Dorothy Owusu
completed. You nd him idling when there Employee is a lot to be done. Such an employee can here is this movie I watched as a money-making ideas and always looks for drag the business down. Give him an T child, where a little boy was being an opportunity to improve innovations in ultimatum to step up his game or risk adopted out of an orphanage. As per the the company. He is also an expert at losing his job after you have spoken to him norm of the orphanage, anytime a child something, whether it is in the company’s a few times. was being adopted, the other children, policy manual or the computer system, he together with the caretakers, lined up to has knowledge that everyone will want to The unwilling and unable employee is bid farewell to the child. In the case of use at some stage. He is the one who the one who is not interested in the work, this little boy however, as soon as his constantly improves the o ce mood with for starters, and also does not have any foster parents took him away in their car, his or her charisma and is also a very good technical expertise to handle tasks the entire orphanage went into an team player. assigned to him. You have no business in uproar of jubilation. As it turned out, that keeping such an employee and he has to boy left a “great impression” on the It is important for employers to know the be relieved of his duties immediately. minds of anyone who came into contact kind of people they have working in their with him. He was a “problem child.” establishments. There are four types of Nevertheless, it takes more than a willing employees in the world of work: and able person to make an unforgettable There is a “problem child” in every employee. Some employees are very good organisation. People who are di cult to The willing and able employee is the one in terms of their work but they lack deal with: they are the people whose who shows enthusiasm at what he does. If character. There have been instances employers and colleagues cannot wait you have this kind of employee, good for where very good employees have been to see their backs as soon as they turn in you! That person will help increase dismissed because of their misconducts. their resignation letters. There are also productivity so the company can achieve its With such people, they exit companies employees who, upon exiting their objectives. You should work hard to keep leaving their employees and colleagues companies, receive send-o parties and them; they are assets. with mixed feelings. well-wishes from their employers and colleagues. These employees are the The willing but unable employee is the The question here is, “Which employee are ones who leave positive lasting set who shows enthusiasm but do not have you?” impressions on their employers. They are the technical know-how to execute the the employees who still get everybody tasks given to them. This employee needs talking about their good deeds long help and must be trained so he can be after they have left the company. bene cial to the company.
An unforgettable employee is the one The unwilling but able employee is the who likes relieving and taking extra employee with the necessary skills yet responsibilities from colleagues. He is unproductive. He gives constant excuses as Editiorial Assistant, able to generate cost-saving or to why one task or the other could not be Focus Media Dorothy Owusu 33 HR Column HR Focus
tie-breaker for getting jobs. Such a seemingly insu cient gesture actually forms a great rst impression, shows the potential employer you are not shy or lazy and willing to make important business relationships. Can you use good judgment, think critically and creatively, and make sound business decisions? Are you able to develop a well thought out solution within reasonable time even when you do not have all the answers? These are skills that employers are looking for and it serves you well if you have them.
If you are already employed, you should Filling the Employment consider sharpening your communication skills, have a positive attitude, show enthusiasm and be a team player. Readiness Gapby Doris Agyeman Challenges arise constantly on the job, and your ability to use t is expected, in the regular scheme of supervision is more likely to be productive. knowledge, facts and the I things that a person gets an data available to provide education, lands a job and everything else Employment readiness also applies to quick resolution will pay falls into place. However, the picture is quite existing employees. Unproductive o eventually when senior di erent in reality. Getting that dream job is employees are a drain on a company’s positions are being not so simple. Tertiary institutions churn resources. A workforce that cannot keep considered. out graduates yearly, who are eager to get up the pace in a dynamic work Director into the job market, only to nd sti environment could kill the company. Bimstinct Solutions Limited (BSL) competition for the limited jobs available. Companies cannot a ord to be asleep at Employers on the other hand are looking to the wheel, there is intense competition on ll their few open vacancies, but are capturing market share, and workforce frustrated with the existing talent pool. management plays a key role in keeping Candidates lack the skill set, creativity and the company ahead of the curve. HR’s GOT HUMOUR drive which make them workforce ready Employers will have to invest into and are less appealing to the prospective workforce training and education on an employer. Possessing a diploma or degree is ongoing basis. Key areas of training include The Raise important yet, not enough to meet the leadership development, problem solving, Sam walks into his boss’s o ce and says “Sir, challenges of the work environment. critical thinking, con ict management I’ll be straight with you; I know the economy resolution, using the latest technology for isn’t great, but I have over three companies Employment readiness means to hit the e ciency, etc. Employers must develop after me, and I would like to respectfully ask ground running and the ability to handle ways to keep employees engaged and also for a raise.” the erce pressures of a highly competitive make relevant sta changes. It is important business environment. Having a talented to build a robust performance After a few minutes of haggling, the boss workforce translates into winning bids, management system which outlines nally agrees to a 5% raise, and Sam happily repeat business, market share and pro ts. explicit targets for operating performance. gets up to leave. “By the way,” asks the boss, Also, employers want people who will make These targets must be regularly updated in “Which three companies are after you?” a winning team. A person who is order to keep employees challenged. “The electric company, water company, and ill-equipped with necessary skills to be Reward employees who are outstanding to phone company!” exible, adaptable and juggle multiple provide motivation in the workplace. tasks becomes more of a liability than an Day O asset. Part of the problem is that the As in anything else, much of the work lies An employee goes to see his supervisor in classroom curriculum has not always kept with the individual. It takes hard work, the front o ce. up with the evolving job market demands going the extra mile, “unlearning” certain and left students incapable of marketing behaviours and being determined to go “Boss,” he says, “we’re doing some heavy themselves to prospective employers. against what is commonly accepted as the house-cleaning at home tomorrow, and my Employers are less willing now to hire based ‘norm’. An academic quali cation may wife needs me to help with the attic and the simply on good grades and school name. open opportunity doors for you, but that is garage, moving and hauling stu .” Assertiveness, good grammar, the ability to only the rst step. You will need to get “We’re short-handed,” the boss replies. “I sell oneself as the best candidate for the other tools to be successful at interviews or can’t give you the day o .” job, can make up for these. A person who to move along the fast track to a rewarding “Thanks, boss,” says the employee “I knew I can bring in more business, keep existing career. It is amazing how an initiated rm could count on you!” customers happy and needs minimum handshake and eye contact have been the Employee Relations Column HR Focus35 he term maternity leave sounds like A Case for T a cliché within the labour SOARING environment in Ghana. In recent times however, some employers are into the Equal practice of granting paternity leave to TO GREATER their employees. Yes you read right: paternity leave! Maternity HEIGHTS. Article 24(2) of the 1992 Constitution guarantees the right of every worker to rest, leisure and reasonable limitation of &Paternity working hours and periods of holidays with pay, as well as remuneration for Leaveby Nana Akwasi Awuah public holidays. The right to rest and leisure means a right to leave with pay. Ghana is a signatory to all the above NEWS The law attaches so much importance international treaties. In today’s Ghana, to rest and leisure for workers that both husband and wife work and are busy ADJUSTING BEHAVIOUR section 30 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act people. The husband should therefore get TOWARDS EXPENDITURE 651) frowns upon employees agreeing time o to assist with upkeep, as well as to MAY HELP with their employers to waive their enjoy some bonding time with the child. leave by rendering any such agreement Equal maternity and paternity leave The economic misfortunes of Ghana, which void. encourages both parents to develop the were in 2013 attributed to the 8-month long necessary skills for the basic care of their elections petition hearing, seem to be Maternity leave is a period of paid child. This means that couples are in a worsening by the day. Despite the many absence from work to which a woman is better position to make long term plans predictions of a robust economy in 2014, the legally entitled during the months about care arrangements for the child. rst half of the year has seen a falling Your Success, Our Passion. immediately before and after childbirth. economy. In Ghana, it is presently a minimum of Under the status quo, there is a persistent twelve (12) weeks exclusive of the inequality between men and women in the From 14.0% in February 2014, Ghana’s employee’s annual leave. Thus, the workplace. Young women are often year-on-year in ation rate, as measured by employer may agree to grant more than perceived by employers to be a risk: there is the Consumer Price Index (CPI), leaped to We present to you a new twelve weeks maternity leave to an a serious possibility that they will become 14.5% in March 2014. The monthly change and improved Bond with new employee. In the event of multiple pregnant and take long periods of time o rate for March 2014 peaked at 0.9% against births, there is a further two weeks of work. When choosing between men and the 1.1% recorded in February 2014.The branches and a wide range of maternity leave. The employer may pay women with equal skills, employers have an gures mean that the change in the general banking products and services or not pay for the additional time incentive to choose the man. Equal price levels was 14.5% over the one year beyond the twelve weeks. maternity and paternity leave prevents period, from March 2013 to March 2014, to meet every financial need. employers from identifying one gender as a while the variation in the general price level Although the Labour Act does not make risk, reducing the incentive to employ men increased by 0.5% between February 2014 express provision for paternity leave, it ahead of women. and March 2014. These statistics topped with Walk into any of our is my considered view that paternity the continuous fall of the Ghana Cedi against leave is lawful and constitutional. The Also, available statistics point to the fact its major trading currencies and a hike in banking halls and enjoy basis for this view is simply that the that children tend to bond with their tari s are evident of the hard economic time first class banking. Constitution guarantees the right of primary care giver than non-primary care the country nds itself in. Companies and “every worker” to rest and leisure a givers. With equal maternity and paternity their employees, the most hit by the fortiori the right to leave. Article 17 of leave, children are more likely to develop distractions posed by the fall in the economic the same Constitution provides that all meaningful relationships with both prospects of the nation, would need to adjust Contact us today and persons shall be equal before the law parents. If children grow up in homes where their way of spending. This will help reduce let's forge ahead and that a person shall not be their parents view each other as equals, this the gross e ects of the pressure being meted discriminated against on grounds, inter will increase their expectations of equality by the current state of the economy on them. towards success. alia, of gender. within society as a whole, in turn making society more equal. Proper management of resources such as This view is further forti ed by Article 7 transportation, electricity and water, in both of the International Convention on the companies and the homes of employees, Economic Social and Cultural Rights, may go a long way to help cut down in Article 1(3) of the United Nations expenditure. Adabraka 0302 244895 Charter and Article 2 of the Universal Tema 0303 214444 Declaration of Human Rights, which The moment calls for a shift in expenditure behaviour and both employers and guarantees the equal enjoyment of Lawyer, Osu 0302 797184 employees alike have a responsibility to help rights and freedoms without any AB Lexmall & Associates Nana Akwasi Awuah Kumasi 0322 192285 discrimination as to gender, race, etc. keep their institutions in business. www.bond.com.gh Employee Relations Column HR Focus35 he term maternity leave sounds like A Case for T a cliché within the labour environment in Ghana. In recent times however, some employers are into the Equal practice of granting paternity leave to their employees. Yes you read right: paternity leave! Maternity Article 24(2) of the 1992 Constitution guarantees the right of every worker to rest, leisure and reasonable limitation of &Paternity working hours and periods of holidays with pay, as well as remuneration for Leaveby Nana Akwasi Awuah public holidays. The right to rest and leisure means a right to leave with pay. Ghana is a signatory to all the above NEWS The law attaches so much importance international treaties. In today’s Ghana, to rest and leisure for workers that both husband and wife work and are busy ADJUSTING BEHAVIOUR section 30 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act people. The husband should therefore get TOWARDS EXPENDITURE 651) frowns upon employees agreeing time o to assist with upkeep, as well as to MAY HELP with their employers to waive their enjoy some bonding time with the child. leave by rendering any such agreement Equal maternity and paternity leave The economic misfortunes of Ghana, which void. encourages both parents to develop the were in 2013 attributed to the 8-month long necessary skills for the basic care of their elections petition hearing, seem to be Maternity leave is a period of paid child. This means that couples are in a worsening by the day. Despite the many absence from work to which a woman is better position to make long term plans predictions of a robust economy in 2014, the legally entitled during the months about care arrangements for the child. rst half of the year has seen a falling immediately before and after childbirth. economy. In Ghana, it is presently a minimum of Under the status quo, there is a persistent twelve (12) weeks exclusive of the inequality between men and women in the From 14.0% in February 2014, Ghana’s employee’s annual leave. Thus, the workplace. Young women are often year-on-year in ation rate, as measured by employer may agree to grant more than perceived by employers to be a risk: there is the Consumer Price Index (CPI), leaped to twelve weeks maternity leave to an a serious possibility that they will become 14.5% in March 2014. The monthly change employee. In the event of multiple pregnant and take long periods of time o rate for March 2014 peaked at 0.9% against births, there is a further two weeks of work. When choosing between men and the 1.1% recorded in February 2014.The maternity leave. The employer may pay women with equal skills, employers have an gures mean that the change in the general or not pay for the additional time incentive to choose the man. Equal price levels was 14.5% over the one year beyond the twelve weeks. maternity and paternity leave prevents period, from March 2013 to March 2014, employers from identifying one gender as a while the variation in the general price level Although the Labour Act does not make risk, reducing the incentive to employ men increased by 0.5% between February 2014 express provision for paternity leave, it ahead of women. and March 2014. These statistics topped with is my considered view that paternity the continuous fall of the Ghana Cedi against leave is lawful and constitutional. The Also, available statistics point to the fact its major trading currencies and a hike in basis for this view is simply that the that children tend to bond with their tari s are evident of the hard economic time Constitution guarantees the right of primary care giver than non-primary care the country nds itself in. Companies and “every worker” to rest and leisure a givers. With equal maternity and paternity their employees, the most hit by the fortiori the right to leave. Article 17 of leave, children are more likely to develop distractions posed by the fall in the economic the same Constitution provides that all meaningful relationships with both prospects of the nation, would need to adjust persons shall be equal before the law parents. If children grow up in homes where their way of spending. This will help reduce and that a person shall not be their parents view each other as equals, this the gross e ects of the pressure being meted discriminated against on grounds, inter will increase their expectations of equality by the current state of the economy on them. alia, of gender. within society as a whole, in turn making society more equal. Proper management of resources such as This view is further forti ed by Article 7 transportation, electricity and water, in both of the International Convention on the companies and the homes of employees, Economic Social and Cultural Rights, may go a long way to help cut down in Article 1(3) of the United Nations expenditure. Charter and Article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which The moment calls for a shift in expenditure behaviour and both employers and guarantees the equal enjoyment of Lawyer, employees alike have a responsibility to help rights and freedoms without any AB Lexmall & Associates Nana Akwasi Awuah discrimination as to gender, race, etc. keep their institutions in business. 36 HR Focus Health Column Are you eating
Rightby Sidney Bernard Arthur?
esearch has shown that one in messing up important documents. It means R three workers do not take lunch losing the activity you would gain when break at work, saying they have too you walk to the canteen and back. Studies many people go through life much to do and cannot a ord to take have shown that sitting in one place for a dehydrated—causing tiredness, low time out. It is unfortunate that lunch prolonged period of time is not good for energy, and headaches. Some workers breaks are su ering for the worker’s zeal either your physical or mental health. just do not want any distraction and so to succeed, placing the worker at a high Taking the lunch breaks away from the desk would not even move to the dispenser of mental or physical ailment and a low also helps improve morale and e ciency to get water. However, staying well in productivity. One thing can be for employees. hydrated will also help you in shaping predicted: such a worker is likely to skip your eating habit. breakfast, lunch and sometimes eat It is well documented that eating more heavily at dinner. This is very unhealthy, healthily can improve general well-being Avoid eating at night. The new drill as far to say the least. and life expectancy. Take small steps as meals are concerned is that workers towards switching to a healthy eating habit prefer to spend all the time they are What does eating right entail? Healthy and make the shift gradual. As your small active on work and relegate meals to the eating is not about strict nutritional changes become a habit, you can continue fore. At night, heavy meals are philosophies, staying thin, or depriving to add healthier choices to your plan. The consumed and then o to bed, they go. yourself of certain foods. It goes beyond good news is that good eating habits can Studies suggest that eating when you what is on your plate to include how you be learnt. The following steps can help; are most active helps improve digestion eat what is on the plate, the time you eat as opposed to eating late and going to it and even how you think about food. Eat with colleagues whenever possible. bed. Eating at the right times helps Healthy eating should make the When you identify colleagues whom you regulate weight. individual feel great, have more energy normally take lunch breaks with, they and be as t as possible. become a sort of prompt for you Workers need to become good role whenever it is time to move out for lunch. models to each other where breaks are Stepping out of the o ce for lunch has The presence of other people also help concerned, and encourage each other to become a setback to achieving set goals you to mind overeating thus, modelling take regular breaks and activity to for some employees. However, the your eating habit. reduce stress. A cultural shift in the process of moving away from the work workplace towards proper lunch breaks desk to have lunch helps a lot with the Take time to chew your food and will improve overall employee release of stress; no doubt the Labour enjoy meal times. Chew your food slowly. well-being, as well as enhance Act of Ghana makes provision for at The usual practice, especially when you productivity. least an hour break for a worker who have a lot to do, is to rush through the spends up to 9 hours of the day at work. meals, forgetting to actually taste the avours and feel the textures of your Some may argue that they have good food. I do not suggest that you spend eating habits when in actual fact they sit forever at lunch, but it is good to behind their desks to take in snacks or reconnect with the joy of eating. eat their lunch. Eating at your desk can cause greater problems than simply Water helps ush out waste Editiorial Assistant, having crumbs fall in the keyboard or products and toxins from our system, yet Focus Media Sidney Bernard Arthur Finance Column HR Focus37
Save your Pocketby Sidney Bernard Arthur W hile some living expenses – rent, How much do you spend on meals every Cut back on transportation costs -There electricity and water bills, day? - Is it worth it? In the African setting, a are three things that can be done, walk half groceries - cannot be avoided, others meal garnished with a lot of protein is way to work and walk back home after are unnecessarily causing you to go somewhat a sign of richness. For the person work, taking public transport or consider over your monthly budget. Whether it is who wants to cut down on expenses made carpooling. If you live in a town where you guring out e ective ways to reduce on meals, you should consider the amount can easily get a bus to and from work, it is your bills or practicing a little of protein you have on your meal and shed better to opt for this means of self-control when it comes to impulse o the African de nition of wealth. Eating transportation than spend more on fuel. purchases, here are some things you can in between meals is also another way of Taking public transportation will help you do to cut down on your expenditure. spending more than enough on meals. save money on gas. If you cannot bear to Stick to regular meal times. give up your car, consider carpooling to Check your entertainment budget- the o ce and splitting the cost of gas with Entertainment, hardly planned for, takes For you, who are used to giving special your co-workers. If you nd the two up a large chunk of your monthly treats, it is better to trim down on special options expensive, then consider walking budget. This is where you could start treats and save money. It is better and safer to and from work, at least you would be from when you really want to cut living to prepare meals at home than always eat burning fats. expenses. from the restaurants. Do not leave your money lying in the I do not suggest entertainment is not Repeating clothes is the best way to save bank without investing it in something important, especially, for the person from spending exuberantly on clothes. lucrative. All you get when you leave the who works from Monday to Friday with Instead of purchasing new clothes every money without investing is bank so much stress, but you need to mind week or for every function, repeat the deductions. Invest in something pro table how much is spent on it. If you and your clothes you have but in di erent fashions. and have your money yield some pro t. It friends often go out to eat during the is just a plus to live conservatively. Do not week, opt to throw a dinner party or It is not about what you wear but how you be driven by your passion but strive to save cocktail on a weekend. You may even be wear it. You probably would own the best more than you spend. able to nd some free entertainment clothes in the world but if not worn And if you want to earn options around your neighborhood. properly, you defeat the purpose of having more, know that your Instead of paying to catch a movie with the best. God given talents de ne friends at the theatre, purchase the disc what you can o er to and watch it in the comfort of your your customer. home. Editiorial Assistant, Sidney Bernard Arthur Focus Media 38 HR Focus Job Listing Listing FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT RECRUITMENT MANAGER
QUALIFICATION: QUALIFICATION: A university degree plus membership of a professional A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree (a Masters Degree accountancy body eg. ICA (Gh), ACCA, CIMA, etc. will be an advantage), 5 years past experience and A minimum of 5 years relevant experience. Experience success in a similar role in a manufacturing company or auditing rm would be an advantage. DUTIES: DUTIES: Using sales, business development, marketing Manage the accounting/ nancial system to maintain techniques and networking in order to attract business full, accurate and reliable records/reports. from client companies. Maintain, monitor and ensure compliance with Visiting clients to build and develop relationships. internal control procedures. Prepare nancial statements for both internal and Using candidate databases to match the right person external reporting. to the client's vacancy.
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