How to create a more stable workforce
Good human resource practices can greatly improve retention rates and company performance in Papua New Guinea, according to Calum Smith, Australasian vice president for international workforce solutions provider Airswift. He says the key is to establish sound processes. “By implementing a good recruitment process for both non-citizens (cultural alignment and ability to train) and citizens means that many of our clients have much lower attrition rates than the average. “Because of improving technology infrastructure, most notably with the internet, PNG is catching up with its nearest neighbours in terms of learning management system (LMS) usage. This is allowing organisations to bring their PNG staff up to international standard more easily in terms of company training. “In the past six months we have seen improvements in hiring rates for both citizens and non-citizens. With APEC 2018, and a number of smaller capital development projects in the near term, I do expect a relatively positive 12 months ahead – although we won’t be returning to PNG LNG hiring rates anytime soon there will still be growth. “Overall I am cautiously optimistic about the employment market in PNG.” Scott Roberts, general manager of human resources firm Rubicor Technical, says that big companies do their own development and training, but small and medium enterprises usually lack the resources to invest in development. “Businesses are always looking for people who can lead others and, of course, the standards that are applied to that are high,” he says. “The public service is investing in a values-based leadership development program; they are really having to start at basics. It has merit, and should be supported.” Roberts says there has been something of a brain drain in PNG, especially in the resources sector. But he does see some people returning home. “There are many examples of success over the years and there are plenty of Papua New Guineans who seem to do quite well internationally in technical, professional and leadership roles.”