IPMM President urges HR professionals to lead workforce productivity amid economic challenges

By Burnett Munthali

The president of the Institute of People Management Malawi (IPMM), Frank Sabola, has called on human resource (HR) professionals to take a proactive role in driving initiatives that enhance workforce productivity during these challenging economic times. Speaking at the IPMM Sponsors Cocktail held in Blantyre on Friday, Sabola emphasized the critical role HR professionals play in fostering employee productivity and ensuring organizational success.

In his address to attendees, Sabola highlighted that the current economic challenges facing Malawi require innovative approaches from HR practitioners. He noted that organizations are grappling with reduced budgets, inflation, and a shrinking job market, which necessitate creative strategies to maintain high performance and employee engagement. “As HR professionals, you are uniquely positioned to lead the way in ensuring that employees remain motivated, engaged, and productive even under difficult economic conditions. The success of our organizations depends on your ability to align people strategies with business goals,” he stated.

Sabola outlined several key areas where HR practitioners can make a significant impact, including talent development, performance management, and employee well-being. He encouraged HR professionals to embrace technology and data-driven approaches to improve efficiency and make informed decisions. Additionally, he stressed the importance of fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation within organizations, which he said is critical to building resilience and adaptability.

The IPMM president also underscored the importance of collaboration between HR teams and management in addressing challenges such as low morale and high turnover rates. He urged HR practitioners to advocate for policies that support employees while balancing organizational needs. “HR professionals must take a leadership role in advocating for employee-centric policies that drive motivation and commitment. By doing so, we can ensure that our organizations thrive even in the face of adversity,” Sabola added.

The Sponsors Cocktail brought together HR professionals, corporate leaders, and stakeholders from various sectors to discuss strategies for enhancing workforce productivity. The event also provided a platform for networking and knowledge sharing among participants. Several speakers at the event echoed Sabola’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for HR practitioners to adapt to the changing business environment.

One of the participants, a senior HR manager from a leading financial institution, praised the IPMM for organizing the event and providing a platform to address pressing issues in the HR sector. “This event has been a great opportunity for us to exchange ideas and learn from one another. As HR professionals, we are at the forefront of managing the most valuable asset of any organization—its people. It is important for us to stay ahead of the curve and drive initiatives that create value,” she said.

The cocktail event concluded with a call to action for HR professionals to remain committed to their role as strategic partners in organizational success. Sabola assured participants that the IPMM would continue to support HR practitioners through training, advocacy, and networking opportunities.

The role of HR professionals in navigating economic challenges and driving workforce productivity has never been more critical. As the business landscape evolves, the IPMM’s leadership and commitment to empowering HR practitioners will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping the future of Malawi’s workforce.

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