Association extols the virtues of yearly prize

Dar es Salaam. Employer of the Year Award (EYA) has proved to be a catalyst for increasing labour productivity, an association has said. Companies with rampant labour disputes have been shunning the contest, according to the Association of Tanzania Employers (ATE).
ATE executive director Aggrey Mlimuka yesterday said the annual event on awarding the best employer of the year has been an important tool for mobilising employers and employees to find out ways of enhancing performance. “Our experience has shown that employers with chronic problem of labour disputes have been escaping EYA, because they make preliminary assessments to identify their weaknesses before participation,” said Dr Mlimuka.
According to him, over the years EYA has inspired members of the organisation to focus on employment and people-management issues to have motivated workers and increase production and productivity.
EYA recognize members who have excelled in putting in place outstanding HR management policies and best business practices, according to an ATE statement.  
Dr Mlimuka said the award was based on a study of human resource among leading corporations and small and medium enterprises to organisations have skilled and motivated employees.
This year’s AYE  is the ninth since the award was started.
The award has been focusing on areas such as leadership and governance, human resource management function, corporate social responsibility and ethical practices, quality and productivity, disability inclusiveness and workforce focus.
Formed in 1960, Association of Tanzania Employers has 1,400 direct members and about 6,000 indirect members drawn from private business firms, companies and some parastatal organisations.
One of its duties is to promote harmonious at work places relations and best practices in human resource management.