Oct 2, 2015- The Human Resources Society Nepal, in collaboration with the ILO, organised a half-day Knowledge Sharing Workshop on “Enhancing Productivity and Competitiveness through Social Dialogue in the Nepalese enterprises” in Kathmandu on Friday.
The event was highly appreciated by the practicing managers of the Nepali private sector who enthusiastically participated in the programme.
In his opening remarks, Kumar Joshi, President of the HR Society of Nepal, said that we were the human capital and we had to ensure that our people were motivated. “We have to play an instrumental role in drafting sound Human Resource Policy” said Joshi.
The programme was attended by more than 60 practicing HR managers from Nepali private sector and the representatives of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI).
The core objective of the programme was to recognise the role of HR managers in the private sector as well as enhance their capacity in mainstreaming the principles of social dialogue in the HR policies and practices with a view to improve overall industrial relations environment in Nepal.
HR managers can and should play a catalyst role in changing the traditional mind set of both the employers and the workers in the way the labour-management relations are seen in Nepal. It is equally important for the entire corporate sector in Nepal to listen to the practicing HR managers on the problems, challenges and opportunities that are prevalent in the private sector so that sound policy recommendations can be made.
Jose Assalino, Country Director of ILO Nepal, highlighted the tremendous labour market dynamics that expose enterprises to complex and ever changing challenges. “While improved productivity and competitiveness is a permanent must, this can only be achieved through team work engaging managers and labour in the identification of bottlenecks and in the implementation of appropriate responses,” said Assalino.
One of the highlights of the programme was shared by Ravindra Peiris, ILO Senior Specialist for Employers’ Activities, on international experiences and practices from Sri Lanka, Singapore, Austria, Tunisia and Ghana. “Social Dialogue is an effective vehicle to reach productivity gains and enhance enterprise competitiveness and profitability” said Mr. Peiris.
Amir Pratap Rana, Managing Director, Kiran Shoes Manufacturers Ltd stated that we should be able to treat the workers well because they are the assets of the company. “I must say that I am very happy to be able to be a part of this programme because it has been very fruitful at the end of the day” said Mr. Rana.
A study conducted by the ILO along with the DFID and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in 2009 identifies poor industrial relations and the resultant labour market rigidities as one of the key constraints to investment and growth in Nepal.
Published: 02-10-2015 21:35
