Ministry’s Bold Move to Tackle Staff Turnover Woes

The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection is taking significant steps to address the issue of high staff turnover within the organization. Permanent Secretary Eseta Nadakuitavuki highlighted a troubling “vicious cycle” of recruitment and departure during a recent submission to the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee.

Nadakuitavuki acknowledged that although many vacant positions have been successfully filled, the ministry faces persistent challenges in retaining staff. She pointed out that there has been an increase in both resignations and dismissals. “We are recruiting on one end and they are exiting on another end,” she stated.

To combat this issue, the ministry is contemplating the implementation of retention programs aimed at creating a more attractive work environment. Part of this strategy includes introducing exit interviews to better understand the reasons employees are leaving. Nadakuitavuki emphasized that if staff are resigning for reasons like seeking better opportunities or pay, there may be limited actions the ministry can take. However, if the departures stem from a non-conducive work culture, she is committed to addressing those internal issues.

During the hearing, Mrs. Emi Bainimarama, the ministry’s head of Admin and Finance, provided an overview of the current staffing situation, informing the committee that 47 positions are filled through temporary arrangements, with 19 remaining vacant. She affirmed that the ministry currently employs over 400 staff members and outlined a recruitment plan to address the existing vacancies.

This proactive approach reflects the ministry’s commitment to not only understanding the factors contributing to staff turnover but also fostering a supportive work culture that encourages employee retention. By focusing on improvements within the organization, there is a hopeful outlook for creating a more stable and motivated workforce in the future.

In summary, the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection is actively working to mitigate staff turnover through various strategies aimed at enhancing workplace culture and addressing retention challenges.