Productivity and Partnerships Beyond COVID-19: FHRI
A convention by the Fiji Human Resources Institute (FHRI) was organised to assist companies’ administration in the productivity and partnerships beyond COVID-19 pandemic.
FHRI President Kameli Batiweti while delivering his keynote address gave Nelson Mandela as an exemplary of a great leader as his belief system was strengthened while he was incarcerated.
The speakers during the convention were Mr Batiweti, BSP Life Managing Director Michael Nacola, outgoing Fiji National Provident Fund CEO Jaoji Koroi, HR consultant Ann Steele, President of the Fiji Psychological Society, Dr Roland Schlutz, Devanesh Sharma of R Patel Lawyers and FHRI vice president Ravinesh Krishna.
Mr Nacola highlighted:
Mr Nacola presented on “Linking Risks to productivity – An Insurance perspective, Are you covered?”
Mr Nacola emphasised on stepping up and championing this course.
Mr Nacola highlighted how to manage businesses as you go through the effects of COVID-19.
COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the core of every country and a lot of boardroom battles are won and lost.
BSP Life has noticed the relation of physical wellness and financial wellness.
When companies are concerned about the health status of their employees, good health will make good production while unhealthy lifestyles would incur loss.
Companies need to prepare for financial shocks and wellness advocates by:
Inviting speakers/ experts to discuss mental health, women and men’s health issues
Oceania hospital does sessions on detecting and managing chronic ailments
Staff wellness programmes- diet and exercise
Daily staff motivational messages
Work with from experts on savings, financial planning
partner with those who can assist you to mitigate risks that affect your productivity.
Health and financial risk management experts.
Mr Koroi highlighted:
Mr Koroi presented on Early access to your super- Beware old scams and schemes.
In the opening his keynote address gave an example of 84-year-old, Mr Qiolevu living on his pension for the past 23 years from his Norweign Fund.
The world is changing again and a lot of informal sectors are not covered and their lifestyle and their expectation income are also changing and the whole national systems need to change to that.
FNPF is an intergenerational fund with over three generations of members, pensioners, workers and children so it’s a long term fund.
Members are withdrawing most of their funds during their working life as in the last five years, $1.96 billion has been withdrawn from different types of withdrawals.
There are 447,000 members, 39 per cent are females while 61 per cent are males, there are more active females in the voluntary membership.
However, the Fund is optimistic to earn the income again from the tourism industry. Due to the reduction in the contribution rates, contribution received has reduced from $651m last year to $591m this year.
There is still a positive net contribution.
2021 will have the full impact of the 12 months.
Dr Schlutz highlighted:
President of the Fiji Psychological Society, Dr Schlutz said the brain was the most remarkable organ that humans possess, as it processes a lot of information.
He presented on the topic mind over matter.
“Disruptions to one’s normal social routines, heightened uncertainty as to what will happen next. severe economic hardship.”
Dr Schlutz said stress affects the way we think and affects the body.
“Different individuals respond to stress very differently and that one size does not fit all. A way forward is to be constructive and optimistic.”
Mr Sharma highlighted:
Mr Sharma presented on the effect of legal, safety and regulatory requirements on the HR Process.
Employers must include terminating employment and the processes involved in the HR package and educate their workers about it.
Employers when terminating workers need a certificate of service and to give them dignity and not treat them like criminals.
The Convention ended with the registration of the annual general meeting.
