Firm urges employees’ motivation, compensation to boost productivity, economic growth, others

The Chief Executive Officer, SB Telecoms, Afolabi Abiodun has said for Nigeria to be among the top 20 growing economies in the world, employees’ efforts must be appreciated and compensated. He said workers contribute to the productivity and growth of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is the most important aspect government and private sector neglect.

“Compensation is important, but we also have to appreciate people’s efforts towards their work. People continue to work not just because of the monetary benefits that come with it, but because of the passion they have, which has made many to remain in their place of work where they are paid peanuts and their efforts are not appreciated by their employers or customers.  

“You can see the effect of that on their moral. Even if the minimum wage is moved from N30, 000 to N100, 000, it is still not enough. Beyond just having a minimum wage, it is also important to have a good working atmosphere.  

“Resources are inadequate in Nigeria, and we are also mismanaging the little we have, but if as an organisation, you don’t value your staff, it would lead to low staff morale, which will lead to unproductivity,” he added.He said as part of the company’s effort towards contributing to the productivity of the nation, it has mapped out an initiative to celebrate and reward some Nigerian workers in both the private and public sector across the country.

According to him, the initiative, which is the Time Attendance Management System (TAMS)/Nigeria Employees of the Year Award (NEYA), would hold on May 16, 2019, where three Nigerian workers would be awarded for their productivity in their place of work, including the 20 finalists that emerged from the 1000 entries received.

Abiodun said the essence of the initiative is to have a productive and developed country, adding, “we want to move from where we are today to the first 20 fast growing economies in the world and a lot of work has to go into it and that has to do with encouraging the engine of growth, which is the Nigerian workers.”

He said the 1000 nominees were the best staff of the year from various organisations on the telecom platform, who underwent several stages of appraisal until the 20 finalists emerged, who would receive lots of benefit packages from the partners of the initiative, while the top three would go on a free all expense paid trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

“On the reward for this year, the 20 finalists will get lots benefits from the different sponsors, and many productivity kits, free shopping, free movies at the cinemas, which will boost their morale as winners. They will be getting products from the Nigerian Breweries, UAC as well and for the first three, they are going on an all expense paid trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi for five days and it also comes with travel allowance,” he said.

He noted that next year’s programme would be bigger including the benefits for the winners, as it would get all the 36 states and government involved to ensure that no employee is left behind.