TPT charts new course to motivate staff

Transnet has re-engineered its human resources strategy to create an environment where everyone – from the office sweeper to senior management – appreciates that his contribution makes a difference. “Employees need to appreciate that they have a contribution to make, and by dividing the business into smaller mini businesses we believe we can make the sweeper realise that he contributes significantly to the bigger picture,” says Transnet’s head of strategy Moshe Motlohi. “Competence is not enough. What you need is committed employees who can co-create the kind of environment in which they would like to work. “It’s a new trend worldwide,” says Motlohi who has been driving the project. “You don’t have to be CEO of the business to take the company forward. “We always talk about how many containers we should move across the quay side. And that message sends another message that the only people who matter are the ones who handle containers. But that’s not true and now every staff member can show his contribution.” It’s all about acknowledging positive behaviour rather than focusing on the negative. And the approach to absenteeism speaks to this new mindset, says Motlohi. “We all know the naughty kids by name – but the idea now is to focus on attendance and acknowledge those who are at work and are valued for their contribution. At the beginning of each shift the team member checks the attendance register – effectively it’s repackaging our approach.” And it all ties in with the ‘Groundbreakers’ programme recently launched by CE Tau Morwe. “It’s a competition that recognises and rewards good employees, cutting across all levels and providing monetary incentives for performance,” says Motlohi. When it comes to container handling speed, for example, we have customised targets for each area based on equipment capability and infrastructure. And by trying to emphasise that there is value in being a model employee, we are seeing results.” The main purpose, says Motlohi, is to engage the front line because it’s the front line that is omnipresent and will impact on the service provided. Based on the outcomes a year since the Groundbreakers launch, Motlohi is confident that it cuts to the essence of what customer service should be all about. CAPTION: Moshe Motlohi … ‘recognising and rewarding good employees.’