The National Productivity Council (NPC), in a significant move aimed at boosting productivity across T&T, launched a comprehensive National Productivity Assessment Survey on February 3. This milestone initiative marked a significant step toward understanding and improving the country’s productivity performance.
The primary objectives of the survey are to:
- Evaluate the current productivity levels across different sectors.
- Identify key drivers and inhibitors of productivity growth.
- Provide actionable recommendations for enhancing productivity.
- Establish a reliable benchmark for future productivity assessments.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
Addressing productivity gaps
The launch event at the Cipriani College of Labour and Cooperative Studies brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including government officials, business leaders, and representatives from trade unions. The NPC aims to gather critical information to identify and address the factors affecting productivity in T&T.
Notably, the Human Resource Management Association of T&T (HRMATT) has also recognised the importance of this issue. An edition of their signature C-Suite Conversations series in 2024 addressed the topic of productivity, highlighting its direct impact on workforce effectiveness and organisational success. At the HRMATT C-Suite Conversations, panellists highlighted that productivity is a cornerstone of organisational success, significantly impacting the bottom line. They suggested that organisations can achieve higher levels of productivity by enhancing efficiency, optimising resources, and fostering innovation.
To further champion this cause, HRMATT will partner with the NPC, underscoring a collective commitment to improving productivity across sectors.
NPC chairman Dr Andre Vincent Henry emphasised the need for this survey, stating, “To remain competitive in a global market, we must understand the dynamics of our workforce better. By investigating factors such as job demands, resources at work, employee well-being, and the influence of home and community on productivity, we can develop targeted strategies that foster a healthier work environment.”
Minister of Labour Stephen Mc Clashie remarked, “This survey will make a significant difference in providing new data, interpretation, and analysis to determine where the country can be guided. It is essential for shaping strategies that will improve our workforce and enhance productivity across Trinidad and Tobago.”
Acknowledgments at launch
During the event, HRMATT president Cavelle Joseph-St Omer extended appreciation to Mc Clashie for his support and vision. Permanent Secretary Natalie Willis was also recognised for her stimulating opening remarks and support behind the scenes.
Dr Henry was commended for his leadership and dedication to understanding the productivity landscape, while the contributions of academics like Dr Paul Balwant, Dr Christian Stone and Dr Marlon Anatol were acknowledged for developing the survey instrument.
Joseph-St Omer emphasised the importance of collaboration, stating, “An event like this cannot happen overnight. It required planning and a keen eye for detail.” She thanked the Cipriani College staff and all attendees for their participation and commitment to addressing productivity issues in the country.
Understanding survey components
Dr Stone, Dr Balwant and Dr Anatol, in their presentations of the National Productivity Survey Instrument, noted that the survey comprises several key components that will provide insights into various aspects of the workplace experience:
Demands and resources at work
Respondents will evaluate their work environment, focusing on support from supervisors and co-workers, freedom in managing work schedules, and trust in management. This data will help identify how workplace demands impact employee performance.
Employee well-being
The survey delves into overall well-being, capturing job satisfaction and life satisfaction. Understanding emotional and psychological factors is essential for creating a supportive workplace culture.
Home, community, and self
Recognising that employees do not exist in a vacuum, the survey will explore the influence of home and community on work performance. Insights into social support and safety will help the NPC understand how external factors can enhance or hinder productivity.
Individual productivity assessment
Lastly, the survey will assess individual productivity by asking participants to reflect on their work habits over the past month. This will help identify trends that inform future initiatives.
Call for participation
The NPC is encouraging all employees across various sectors to participate in this survey. Participation is voluntary and responses will be kept confidential, ensuring no individual can be identified from the submitted data.
Dr Vincent-Henry highlighted the importance of comprehensive participation. He said, “The more responses received, the more accurately the NPC can assess the current state of productivity in Trinidad and Tobago. Every voice matters in this collective effort to improve our work environments.”
Insights for future programmes
The survey results will serve as a foundation for the NPC to design evidence-based productivity improvement programmes tailored to the specific needs of different sectors. By prioritising sectors and levels of analysis based on the survey findings, the NPC aims to create targeted interventions that address the unique challenges faced by employees in T&T.
The NPC’s commitment to enhancing workplace productivity aligns with broader regional goals set by international agencies. By focusing on employee well-being and resource allocation, T&T can work towards closing the productivity gap that has hindered its economic growth.
The collaboration between the National Productivity Council and all the stakeholders signifies a proactive approach to addressing the issue of productivity. By prioritising the voices and experiences of employees, T&T is poised to enhance its productivity and, ultimately, its economic resilience.
