Improved communication between management and staff, greater retention rates of high performing staff and increased employee motivation are just some of the benefits of Western Australia’s City of Joondalup becoming an Employer of Choice.
The project is a new approach to people management for the City to ensure that its organisational goals are met. It has also enabled Council to establish a range of industry and community partnerships for sourcing and sharing expertise and resources in areas including education and training, sponsorships, government funding and joint publicity.
A comprehensive three year plan and strategy set the City on the path to becoming an ‘Employer of Choice’. It directly links organisational and employee performance with all aspects of employment, including reward and remuneration.
Successful implementation relies on immediate commitment to key principles by all managers – a realistic plan, a disciplined approach, the allocation of time and resources, the setting of Key Performance Indicators, regular monitoring of performance and clear accountabilities.
The project involves seven interrelated sub-projects including training and development, reward and recognition, competencies, human resource policy, planning and evaluation, and management and leadership. Currently in its third year of implementation, employee satisfaction and commitment has improved throughout the organisation as a result of a ‘culture change’ program.
One element of the program includes the CEO and Directors going ‘Back to the Floor’, where they work in another role for a day learning more about the organisation and staff issues from where it all happens. “Culture development and change is an integral part of the project,” said Joondalup HR Project Consultant, Monica Juricev.
Training and development is a key component in becoming an Employer of Choice. The City has implemented a structured corporate training program, which allows staff to register for courses up to 12 months in advance. Council will also commence the Workplace English Language and Literacy Program this year, where 55 operation field staff will be provided with training in communication, language, leadership, literacy and numeracy. Joondalup’s Employer of Choice project received a commendation at the 2003 National Awards for Local Government.
For further information contact Monica Juricev, on (08) 9400 4331.
