Human Resources Training: Changing Approaching Methods

For garment and textile enterprises, a good quality workforce is as important as technological renovation. The garment and textile industry needs a large sum of skilful workers to handle orders of high-grade products demanding large quantity and stable output. Leaders of the garment and textile industry admit that modern machinery and equipment mean little if the workforce is incapable of operating them effectively. Hence, policies attracting the loyalty of skilled and experienced workers to enterprises are now a crucial matter.

 

On the other hand, exporters are under pressure as importers like the US, the EU and Japan, require them to have socially responsible labour policies. Thus, while intensive investment in technology for higher productivity, quality and efficiency is very important, new technology to improve working conditions is also crucial.

 

The Dong Nai Province-based Dong Tien Garment Company is a typical innovator. At present, the company has intensified training programmes to improve capacity, self-motivation, and creativity among managerial staff. In addition, workers are also trained about manoeuvres, industrial working style and discipline to catch up with global technology, and improve working productivity and product quality. The company has sown an awareness of competition into its labourers, provided working safety equipment and training courses on safety, first aid and fire fighting. It also pays more attention to the food rations, as well as regular health checks for employees.

 

Companies like Dong Nai Garment and Dong Thinh Garment have also implemented measures improving working conditions for employees. Workers do not have forced overtime, and have Sundays off. They are also given spiritual and material life improvement, working welfare and progressive incomes ranging between VND1.2 million and VND1.4 million a month. The company also calculates attendance bonuses, seniority allowances, travel fees and accommodation rents in employment policies. A representative from Dong Nai Garment said although his company annually increases worker salaries by 10 per cent, his company still feels uneasy because of the escalating price rise.

At present, the Vietnamese garment and textile industry’s productivity remains lower than many regional countries. Some companies have invested in modern technology and equipment, but their employees are unable to bring these investments into full play due to working habits and skills. Hence, it is vital to change traditional productivity management methods and routine work habits. According to expert’s statistics, production management and human resource training in the garment and textile industry now fail to meet requirements. After joining the WTO, Vietnamese garment and textile companies need to seek out suitable directions for the new circumstance.
Hong Hanh