Thursday, Dec 22, 2005
By Zaher Bitar, Staff Reporter
Dubai: Zero error. Getting it right the first time, all the time.
This mantra has become one of the goals of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs as it tries to do more with less and deal with labour problems more efficiently.
Yousuf A. Abdul Gani, a senior official at the Ministry, yesterday announced the Initiatives scheme to improve its procedures as it deals with problems troubling the labour sector.
Under the scheme, rank-and-file employees are rewarded for suggesting ways to improve the department's workflow and given the first crack at promotion.
"Only by encouraging creative ideas and solutions can we enhance our daily tasks," said Abdul Gani, Assistant Undersecretary for Administrative and Financial Department at the ministry.
In theory, this would help shorten the time a worker files a complaint and a solution is given.
Abdul Gani said his department hopes to lead the transformation of the ministry into a leaner and meaner bureaucracy.
"Any initiative is like a pilot study and our department is the lab where it's tested. If it works, then we can apply it in the other departments under the ministry," he said.
On behalf of Dr Ali Al Ka'abi, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Abdul Gani yesterday also honoured Aisha Ali Salem, deputy manager for financial affairs, and Sultan Jasim Al Ali, director of the Administrative Development unit, for putting the Initiative project together.
About 90 employees under Abdul Gani's department, or seven per cent of the ministry of labour rank and file, joined the scheme. Every participant must fill in a form with details of the proposal, including costs and benefits.
A committee then evaluates the project for possible implementation.
Aisha Ali Salim said: "When the scheme was announced, there was a consensus among the staff that when a good and creative idea is given its chance, everybody benefits."
Sultan Jasim Al Ali, said: "The project is a key motivator for the ministry's employees to find ways to improve our work and keep creativity and inventiveness a habit."
Abdul Gani said they were currently working on six projects that aimed to take them in the right direction.
InnovativeSix projects to boost services
There are six projects that are currently being undertaken at the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs which aim to improve its services:
TrainingStaff to undergo top computer course
The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs yesterday signed an accreditation agreement with the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) programme to provide ICDL certification to all employees.
The move to adopt the programme will significantly enhance the quality of service offered by the Ministry. The agreement was signed by Yousuf Abdullah Abdul Gani, Undersecretary for Financial and Administrative Affairs, the UAE Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and Jamil Ezzo, Director-General, ICDL GCC Foundation.
"At present, our Ministry employs close to 1,300 people and we have been providing various employee training programmes regularly. The accreditation of our Abu Dhabi and Dubai training centres by ICDL ensures delivery of fundamental IT skills to our employees in compliance with a renowned international standard.
"This will help boost the confidence of our employees and provide them with more opportunities to grow within the Ministry," Gani added.
Gulf News 2005. All rights reserved.
