India needs to be competitive to continue on its growth path. Patricia Mascarenhas tells you how important it is for enterprise level managers to train in industrial relations to deal with issues proactively and effectively
In today’s globalised world, it is a challenge to provide meaningful employment to the youth and upgrade their skills to meet the global requirements. “India is a young nation, where the growing human capital can result in the fruition of an unstoppable India. For this, it is extremely important for organisations to provide their employees with the requisite caring ecosystem, where each employee feels safe and supported,” says R Mukundan, managing director, Tata Chemicals Ltd
With human capital being the only appreciating resource, every industry needs to have a talent pool of employees who can work in a competitive environment in peace and harmony. In order to achieve this the Employers' Federation of India (EFI) recently launched the Naval Tata Institute for Training in Industrial Relations (IR). This training has been uniquely designed with activities in the field of labour law and industrial relations. “The objective of this initiative is to bridge the skill gap and to help build a stronger workforce,” informs RS Maker, director general, EFI
Focused on helping mid-level industry executives hone their skills through various skill-development programmes, this institute been launched with the support of International Labour Organisation (ILO). The primary purpose of the Institute is to train enterprise level managers in developing and maintaining employee/ industrial relations. “They will be trained by well experienced IR/HR professionals who will be delivering these programmes based on their learnings and competencies,” informs Sharad S Patil, former director general, EFI adding that this will provide students with basic knowledge and some skills to deal with the IR problems as and when they arise.
To ensure that participants are able to apply and experiment with the theoretical concepts taught, the training will incoporate a number of business simulations as well as real life case studies. “The group/ syndicate approach that we have chosen for these sessions engender team work and the opportunity to learn from the unique experiences of other participants,” says Patil.
Some of the key programmes offered relate to labour law, workplace diversity, employee relations, industrial disputes, outsourcing, contract labour and collective bargaining. “We have a bunch of programmes to offer for beginners with two to three years of experience, mid-level executives and the top management,” informs Maker.
They are also in the process of launching two new programmes — a Certificate Programme for Managing Industrial Relations which will be a three to four month weekend programme, and a Diploma in Industrial Relations for HR/IR professionals to successfully carry out functions of industrial relations at the plant or the corporate level. All these courses will ultimately result in increased employee and organisational productivity. “The Naval Tata Institute will help in building this competitiveness through a win-win approach which is value based and policy driven,” concludes Patil.
