HUMAN RESOURCE AND MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCIES By the Employers Consultative Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ECA)
The “Future of Work” is a topic that has gained significant traction globally by policymakers, workers’ representatives and the business community. Vibrant debates take place around imminent and inevitable changes and the related issues of how to identify and interpret trends; prepare and adapt to meet challenges; and how to harness emerging opportunities for sustainable organisational success. Trinidad and Tobago is not immune to the impact of these changes. This will have an impact on job creation as well as the management of our human capital via the Human Resource (HR) function. The Employers Consultative Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ECA) believes it is time that we ask the difficult questions: • Is the traditional Human Resource (HR) function still relevant? • Are HR practitioners adequately equipped to deal with the changing environment? • Are our HR policies and practices in alignment with our changing realities? • Is our HR function reactionary or proactive and how does this impact employee relations?
HR IS NOT JUST AN “ADMINISTRATIVE” FUNCTION The key lesson here for senior management and business owners is to reposition and rename the HR function from one of “support” to “business partner” and to include HR from the beginning in developing business goals and strategy.
Strengthening the employer-employee relationship
Developing training
Formulating workforce strategy
Capacity-Building programmes
Assessing the relevance of functional processes for organisations to effectively achieve productivity and financial goals
78
