The Chief Justice-designate, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, has called for well-defined workplace regulations to promote productivity.
According to her, adherence to and fair administration of clear workplace regulations lead to strong organisational cultures that promote quality productivity.
Justice Torkornoo made the call in a presentation on the topic, “Harnessing good work ethics for higher productivity” at an International Labour Day public lecture organised by the Institute of Work, Employment and Society, (IWES) of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) in Accra today.
Her lecture, which is her first public address after her nomination for the Chief Justice position by President Akufo-Addo two days ago, also recommended effective communication, technology adoption, and appreciation of ethical values at the workplace as tools for enhanced productivity.
According to Justice Torkornoo, the quality of workplace regulations determines the level of ethical behavior and work performance and therefore urged employers to use effective communication to promote quality workplace behavior in line with the objectives of their organisations.
“The success of law and regulations at the workplace lies in the assurance of fairness in administrating the regulatory process,” she added.
In addition, Justice Torkornoo advocated effective measurement of performance targets to determine the level of productivity, adding that a mismatch between the organisational objectives and productivity measurements tends to create tension at between employers and employees.
Dr. Mary Naana Essiaw, Director of IWES, in her welcome address, noted that the topic was derived from the national May Day theme, which inquires about the “responsibility of workers” to protect incomes and pensions.
According to her, the topic of the ethical aspects of workers’ responsibility is to serve as a reminder of the need for workers to guard against unethical work attitudes and practices that impede productivity which in the long run can adversely affect incomes and pensions.
“To protect incomes and pensions, workers must be productive and ethical,” she stated.
The forum, which is the 6th International Labour Day public lecture organised by IWES, was attended by Judges, labour experts, policymakers, leaders of organised labour, civil society organisations, and academia.
The May Day celebration, also known as International Workers’ Day is observed annually on May 1st. It is a day set aside to celebrate the contributions of workers to the development of the country and to advocate better working conditions and welfare for workers.
The theme for this year’s May Day celebration is, “Protecting incomes and pensions in an era of economic crisis: our responsibility.”
By Edmund Mingle/ adrdaily.com
