In a move meant to uplift human capital and human resources to make them play their lead role in business performance, the Association of Tanzania Employers (ATE) has officially launched the Employer of the Year Award for 2017.
“The award specifically aimed to recognize members who have excelled in putting in place outstanding HR Management policies and best business practices,” ATE Executive Director, Dr. Aggrey Mlimuka said.
According to him, over the years EYA has inspired member organizations to critically focus on employment and people management issues as a strategic foundation for their organizations to deliver a competent, competitive, productive, engaged and happy workforce.
Employer of the Year Award (EYA) is a major activity initiated and carried out annually by the Association of Tanzania Employers since 2005.
Based on feedback we have received from our members, stakeholders and experts, I am happy to inform you that EYA this year is going to be unique and exciting. We have added new Award Criteria and categories to reflect the current business environment. Some criteria have been modified at the same time the questionnaire has been made user friendly. The new Award criteria for 2017 focus on the following areas:-
Best employers who promote work-life balance will be awarded. Research show that better performance comes when there is an element of work as well as leisure. When employees see that they are encouraged to focus on the outcomes/performance rather than hours worked they feel valued and their productivity increase.
The ageing population, the pensions crisis, the growth in service industries as well as the general expansion of new graduates has created a marked change to the Tanzanian labour market. Therefore ATE believes that best employers who manage an ageing workforce should be awarded for this best practice so that the ageing workforce continues to maintain employability through their working lives. The aged have many advantages such as costs effectiveness.
Best employers with Employee Wellness practices. The purpose is to promote healthy for employees improve performance and better working morale
Best employers who have managed Diversity and Inclusion by ensuring that adequate policies and practices are in place to ensure equal employment opportunities is not only available to PWDs but to all people.
Best employers who attract and retain competent employees. There are employers who have succeeded to retain their, have the best on boarding and induction programs and have managed to keep new hires and ensured that they do not leave the organization.
Best employers with better Industrial relations and labour practices which is crucial for creating a harmonious working environment. Compliance to labour and employment matters is still a challenge to many employers and as such sometimes conflicts are inevitable. Issues to do with collective bargaining agreements, freedom of association, employment contracts will be assessed.
Best Employer with a strong brand attracts customers, employees, stakeholders etc. and is usually an employer of choice. ATE this year will award best employers whose identity is true, credible, relevant and aspirational
ATE will award best employer who has invested in Technology. Modern organisations are increasingly investing in the use and management of technology to create a competitive advantage. New technology is the application of new knowledge, skills, tools, equipment and machines to make goods or provide services.
The Executive Director added that the other award criteria will continue to be in the areas of Governance and Leadership, Human Resource Management Excellence, Quality, productivity and Innovation, Responsible Business Conduct, Performance Management, Employee engagement, Talent Management, Training and Development as well as Occupational Health and Safety,.
ATE this year has also introduced three Award Categories in addition to the Overall, Award in terms of Sizes. Based on the same HR Practices which are standard and international according to the criteria used by the Consultant, we will have the best Private Sector Employers, Best Public Sector Employers as well as the Best Locally Owned Employers. Based on our Members feedback, there has been a feeling that treating all companies the same does not give a fair playing ground for the competition. Companies differ significantly depending on the sectors which they belong. Hence the development of sector specific awards is quite essential according to diverse needs, practices and preferences or ownership basis.
Dr. Mlimuka said that this activity has two parts, the Survey part leading to winners which is currently handled by the Independent Consultant, TanzConsult lead by Prof. BAT Kundi and the second part is event management till the celebration climax which is scheduled for Friday 8th December 2017. Dr. Mlimuka also urged all members to participate so as to benchmark their organizational practices and that of their counterparts.
Commenting on the process of participation, the EYA Coordinator, Joyce Nangai urged members to follow the provided link through our EYA Website www.eya.co.tz or log in to www.eya2017.co.tz which will direct them to an online questionnaire. She said participating organizations are requested to submit two filled in questionnaires, one to be completed by the Management or CEO or Head of HR and another one to be completed by a junior employee or Trade Union representative. This year ATE has also developed EYA Information Guide to ease smooth participation and understanding of the important exercise, she added.
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