Tourism workers’ body pushes for AI, employee-centred strategies
The National Employment Council (NEC) for the tourism industry, Mr Nomore Nhema, chief executive officer (CEO), has called for a paradigm shift in human resource management, emphasising the critical role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and employee-centric strategies to boost productivity and competitiveness.
Speaking during the Labour Relations Conference held yesterday in Harare, Mr Nhema underscored the adoption of AI, describing it as “the cornerstone of productivity” and essential for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of workforce dynamics and technological advancements.
“AI…is the future,” said Mr Nhema, who was the guest speaker at the event organised by the Engineering Iron and Steel Association of Zimbabwe (EISAZ).
“It is imperative that HR (Human Resources) practitioners are equipped with the skills, knowledge and abilities to drive organisational success.”
During an interactive session, some delegates highlighted Artificial Intelligence’s crucial role in human resource functions such as recruitment and shortlisting.
While addressing fears of job displacement by technology, they asserted that it would create new opportunities.
Mr Nhema said human resources practitioners must be equipped with the skills and knowledge to drive organisational success in the current complex environment.
Highlighting the NEC’s role in promoting progressive HR practices, Mr Nhema called for a move away from traditional approaches that treated employees “like wheelbarrows.” He advocated for viewing employees as “human capital” and prioritising the development of “soft skills” to enhance overall productivity and competitiveness. “If your HR strategy is not focused on retention,” Mr Nhema warned, “you are in a constant cycle of rebuilding instead of scaling up).”
He stressed the importance of aligning wage negotiations with productivity gains and noted that comprehensive HR practices serve as a “powerful magnet for attracting and retaining top talent.”
He articulated a vision of a workforce that is not only skilled but also dedicated and satisfied, leading directly to business success and contributing to Zimbabwe’s goal of becoming an upper-middle-income economy.
Mr Nhema elaborated on the NEC’s crucial function in fostering employee well-being, including workplace health, safety, and mental health, and urged organisations to implement robust wellness policies, citing a recent survey that revealed mental health issues impacting productivity.
He also addressed the importance of fair labour practices through collective bargaining and dispute resolution vital for creating a positive business reputation and minimising costly litigation.
“In order to foster employer trust, employers need to clearly and openly communicate and convey policies, decisions and changes while applying rules consistently,” said Mr Nhema.
“Employees should be involved in the decision-making process, which promotes a sense of belonging in an organisation, and it also promotes a sense of ownership
“Employers should encourage and implement two-way feedback that promotes a culture of openness; this is the time for idea generation, those employees whom we see as social workers or shop floor workers, they are innovative, they can come up with new innovative ways…hence HR department serves as a bridge ensuring both sides are heard and treated equitably.”
Speaking during the same event, the CEO of EISAZ, Eng Matthias Ruziwa, stressed that the future of labour relations must be deliberately designed, built, and collaboratively led.
Legal compliance is presented not merely as a checkbox, but as a crucial trust-builder between employers, employees, business, and government.
He said compliance prevents disputes, protects employee rights, and promotes productivity, reinforcing the idea that “if we desire respect for the law, we must first make the law respectable.”-herald
