19 Nov 2015

The chief executive officer of Business Botswana, Ms Maria Machailo-Ellis says it is a step in the right direction for the Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU) to be part of the productivity drive in the workplace.

Speaking at the ongoing five-day ILO/BFTU/RENGO trade union seminar on productivity improvement for decent work and sustainable development at Cresta Lodge in Gaborone, she said the step taken by BFTU in hosting the seminar was commendable looking at the desirable outcomes of the seminar.

Ms Machailo-Ellis attested that currently Africa was experiencing competition from the outside world, and that the continent should not be caught napping by its competitors who were eying Africa to set up businesses to increase their market share and profits.  

She said the level of productivity in most business enterprises and other workplaces was wanting, and that the status quo should be critically looked into in an effort to finding a lasting solution.

She, however, said productivity was not only for business owners, but also for employees as partners in the entity. She added that employees should not be agitated or put under pressure to be productive while at the same time they do not benefit from their productive performance. 

Ms Machailo-Ellis paid tribute to the ILO for coming with the concept of productivity as it would ensure sustainable enterprises, adding that there was a need to educate employees on business dynamics and collective productivity as the market force was facing steep competition.

This she, said, could also attract decent wages and growth in business opportunities and increase employment avenues for others.

Meanwhile, the executive director from Botswana National Productivity Centre, Mr Baeti Molake said entities should ask themselves why the level of productivity was low while they have heavily investment in infrastructure and capital development. He said the answer was simple because it shows that human capital was lacking and as such called on employers to skill and engage their employees, something which he said would grow the business output.

Mr Molake, like other speakers, however, warned employers against concerning themselves with accumulating huge profits and forgetting about the welfare of their employees.

Earlier on the secretary general of BFTU, Mr Gadzani Mhotsha said productivity at the workplace was vital and should be encouraged at all costs because it could benefit both the employer and the employee in the long run and further sustain and create jobs. Ends