Participants at the Work Design for Enhancing Public-Sector Productivity Workshop

Public sector employees from Asia and Fiji gathered in Suva today for a weeklong training workshop hosted by Fiji National University’s (FNU) National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, and the Asian Productivity Organisation (APO).

The workshop was focused on Work Design for Enhancing Public-Sector Productivity.

FNU’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor TVET, Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata said the aim of this training course was to equip participants with practical tools and strategies to enhance productivity through optimised work design, provide insights into identifying and eliminating inefficiencies in public-sector workflows and to enable participants to adopt effective work design strategies to enhance overall productivity in their respective institutions.

“Productivity is not just a measure of economic performance but also a vital tool for achieving sustainable development and improving the quality of life. This training exemplifies our collective commitment to addressing public-sector challenges with innovative and effective solutions,” said Dr Tagicakiverata.

Honourable Agni Deo Singh

Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Honourable Agni Deo Singh officiated at the official opening of the workshop and highlighted the importance of the public sector.

“The public sector is the backbone of our societies, responsible for delivering essential services, implementing policies, and ensuring that the needs of our citizens are met,” said the Minister.

“However, in an ever-evolving global landscape, we must continuously seek ways to enhance our productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness.”

“This training is about reimagining how we work, embracing innovation, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. We must recognise that productivity is not merely about doing more with less; it is about doing things differently, smarter, and with a focus on outcomes that truly benefit our communities,” said Honourable Singh.

The weeklong workshop has 22 participants from 13 APO member countries including Fiji, Thailand, Philippines, India and Pakistan.