THE POSTAL service's human resources management (HRM) team is well aware of the fact that many staff members have worked for long periods without their contribution being truly recognised. This scenario often contributes to worker apathy.
Fortunately, this does not apply to the office attendants at the Central Sorting Office. These are team members whose supporting role involves some administrative duties as well as caring for the work spaces and work environment.
Although their value to the organisation was noted, the gesture undertaken on a previous occasion over two years ago was thought to be inadequate. Following the feedback generated from that initial informal ceremony, senior director of HRM, Melvah Blake, sought to develop a more appropriate format for acknowledging the vital role performed by attendants who work at the postal headquarters.
Speaking at the reception, held at the postal service headquarters on South Camp Road in Kingston last February, Beulett Hunter, an education officer at the Ministry of Education, commented: "The fact that your management team decided to host this function acknowledges just how valuable you are to this organisation.
CELEBRANTS GUIDED
"With the value provided from your assistance in conveying memos, preparing refreshments for functions, the maintenance of a clean work environment, etc.: no one can do without you - at least not for more than a day."
Hunter carefully guided the celebrants by stating that education was the key to changing their lives. She urged them to seek to learn new knowledge and pursue skill-based careers that will allow them to venture into other fields at a time of their choosing, adding that this was especially critical after retirement.
Acting Postmaster General/CEO Michael Gentles urged the attendants to continue contributing to the organisation's mission by maintaining their high performance standards.
The attendants' celebration was part of the overall morale management strategy being utilised by the HRM team. For instance, a send-off reception for a number of retirees was first held in July 2004. Retirees had not previously been highlighted and thanked for their years of valuable service to the department in such a formal manner.
STAFF MOTIVATION
This model, whereby staff is motivated by bringing to prominence broad categories of workers, is being undertaken along with a life-long learning approach that incorporates re-training and educational advancement. The HEART Trust/NTA plays a significant role in the training component of staff development.
The Personnel Unit remains focused on such issues as ensuring timely permanent appointments, and expanding the role of the Welfare Office, among other morale-boosting methods. In January 2006, the Personnel Unit hosted an awards function to identify the top three individuals within the unit based on consistently high performance for the year 2005.
Additionally, a series of open days was held at various rural post offices to expose the workforce to tenets of staff regulations and increase awareness of the benefits to which they are entitled. This endeavour also supported the marketing thrust by placing the postal service's range of products in the public arena. The Postal Corporation sponsored an awards ceremony in October last year during World Post Week for postmen islandwide. Their selection highlighted those whose consistently exceptional performance had contributed to enhancing Jamaica Post's corporate image.
Creative fund-raising has been the hallmark of hosting these events, given the financial resource limitations. The primary source for these functions has been a combination of sponsorship by sources close to the postal service as well as contributions from staff. The plan is to expand this expression of appreciation to include staff members at other postal locations islandwide.
