To be productive, work smarter, not harder
From reskilling to upskilling, continuous learning is necessary in the workplace
Productivity will take us to a different trajectory Mthunzi Mdwaba Productivity SA chair
● October is Productivity Month, as declared by Productivity SA, an agency whose mandate is to improve productivity by diagnosing, advising, implementing, monitoring and evaluating solutions aimed at SA’s sustainable growth.
The month presents an opportunity to reflect on the importance of competitiveness and increasing productivity as a tool for transforming economic growth and creating jobs. More jobs mean a better life for more people.
This year is particularly special as Productivity SA turns 50. In addition, the Productivity Awards turn 40.
Throughout the month Productivity SA is involved in a countrywide awareness campaign to promote a sense of competitiveness in every South African.
A series of workshops, seminars and road shows take place to urge people to embrace the concept of productivity as a cornerstone of economic growth, and a highlight of the month is the National Productivity Awards, which took place at Emperors Palace in Ekurhuleni on October 17.
The awards reward companies that epitomise the highest qualities and attributes of productivity. More than 100 enterprises in the public and private sectors have been recognised since 1979.
“It is crucial that we acknowledge and recognise those companies that are working hard at improving their operations for continued growth and sustainability, particularly during these trying economic times,” Productivity SA chair Mthunzi Mdwaba said at the awards ceremony.
Referring to an unemployment rate of 29% compared to 27% last year and SA’s competitiveness ranking dropping three places from 53 in 2018 to 56 out of 63 countries in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook, Mdwaba said: “The country needs to pay attention to our infrastructural challenges and design targeted policies to address them.”
Productivity is about using less to create more — to work smarter, not harder. Continuous upgrading of knowledge, skills, discipline, effort and collaboration is necessary.
“We continue to do wrong things, uninspired things and have ignored productivity. We must turn the tide. One of the most important skills as we move into the future is also learning to learn.”
Irrespective of what revolution is talked about, whether the fourth, fifth or sixth, the one thing needed is skilling, reskilling and upskilling to manage the transition and have a just transition.
“Productivity will take us to a different trajectory.”
The benefits of increased productivity include more jobs, better economic efficiency, technology investment, increased contributions to society through a higher tax quantum, more efficient use of resources and a better quality of life.
The award winners this year were: Emerging Sector: Wagner Systems in Cape Town; Co-operative Sector: Segometsi Bagoshi Agricultural Co-operative in Winterveldt; Public Sector: Limpopo provincial treasury; Corporate Sector: The Blinds Syndicate in Durban.