Workshop focuses on HR compliance

Recently, twenty-six micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), some of which are newly established, participated in a refresher workshop on human resources (HR) management. The workshop aimed to help these businesses improve their HR management practices, laying a solid foundation for business development. Furthermore, the organizers hope this will lead to increased productivity and employee satisfaction.

The workshop was organized by the Fiji Business Assistance (BAF), a business incubator based in Suva, and facilitated by Watesoni Nata, Managing Director of Meditation Pacific. Held last week, the workshop provided participants with training in areas such as HR policies, employment contracts, job descriptions, recruitment, compliance policies, wage regulations, Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) compliance, and optimizing the use of artificial intelligence in HR management. The comprehensive curriculum was designed to address the evolving needs of modern businesses.

For Mami Loogie, a local fashion designer with Hauz of ML, the workshop was incredibly beneficial, especially as a new business owner. "Understanding key HR procedures such as employment grievance procedures, disciplinary processes, and codes of conduct is crucial for our growth," she said. This knowledge empowers her to manage her team effectively and fairly.

Hannah Saunitoga, owner of Heritage Kava, from Levuka, Ovalau Island, emphasized the importance of HR compliance for businesses in rural maritime areas. "Today's workshop is critical for the growth and prosperity of our kava export business," she said. "As a rural maritime business, adhering to Fiji's HR and employment laws is essential to protect our employees, who are also members of the local community where we operate." This highlights the workshop's impact on regional businesses.

Acting General Manager of BAF Fiji, Nitika Singh, stated that the workshop provided business owners with a valuable opportunity to gain the necessary knowledge to better comply with employment regulations and improve workforce management. "It is encouraging to see businesses from various industries participating in discussions, learning, and sharing experiences to build a more compliant and efficient working environment," she said. This collaborative approach fosters a culture of continuous improvement.

To assist MSMEs in selling their products, BAF has an ongoing partnership with Vodafone Fiji to access the telecom's VitiKart platform, an online marketplace for Fijian businesses. Vitikart Product Manager, Shimneet Chand, presented at the workshop on the opportunities for MSMEs to expand their market reach by selling their products on the Vitikart platform. MSMEs subscribed through BAF can enjoy a 2% commission reduction when selling goods on VitiKart. This initiative supports the growth of local businesses in the digital economy.