07 Jul Industry urged to talk to workers
The protracted wage negotiations under way in the country’s mining, manufacturing, steel and engineering and public sectors highlight the need for companies to implement constructive communication channels to prevent damaging effects on their productivity and profitability levels, according to Chris Jacobs, Director at OIM, an international business consultancy firm.
Jacobs said it was critically important to establish a conducive working culture and environment through effective communication channels long before negotiations start.
“If you create the right climate of mutual understanding then wage negotiations will take on a completely different tone.”
He said it was important to regularly communicate common goals, values, personal responsibilities and the company’s performance, so all parties were informed and had realistic expectations by the time it came to the negotiating table.
“Establishing open feedback channels allows for management to address issues as they are raised, creating a constructive negotiating climate that will help avert protracted negotiations and possible strikes. This open climate creates a greater level of trust which is necessary to conduct proper negotiations.”