To address the need for data in advancing analysis on productivity and to implement improvements in Trinidad and Tobago’s economy, the National Productivity Council under the Ministry of Labour has launched a National Productivity Survey.
The survey aims to identify the factors affecting employee performance and productivity in Trinidad and Tobago. The data collected will be used to inform the Council’s work and guide Government interventions.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Natalie Willis, highlighted that this initiative is aligned with existing efforts by the Ministry of Labour.
“The conduct of the National Productivity Survey complements other ongoing initiatives of the Ministry of Labour, which seek to provide data for evidence-informed decision-making. These include a study on the impact of the National Minimum Wage, conduct of vacancy surveys to obtain labour demand data, and research into child labour.”
Minister of Labour Stephen Mc Clashie commended the National Productivity Council and expressed optimism for the outcome of the survey.
“This is a start, some may say pretty late, but in the old Trini adage, better late than never. I think that we can, we should, and we shall make a difference in providing the raw data and interpretations and analysis to determine where we guide this country.”
Member of the National Productivity Council and Vice President of the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Dr. Christian Stone, shared the core objectives of the survey.
“We want to determine the productivity drivers. What are the key job-related and workplace factors that affect productivity? We want to analyse sector-specific trends. So how do different industries measure up in terms of productivity or what about different sizes of businesses productivity that impact productivity? And of course, we want to develop policy intervention. So what strategies can we use and implement to improve productivity at the organisational level?”
Dr. Stone added that the data will show demographics needing targeted workplace interventions, workplace conditions, and resources, revealing industry and organisational gaps.
The National Productivity Council encouraged organisations, including employers and employees, to participate in the survey.