ALHRP Conducts Refresher Lecture To Enhance Workplace Culture Across Public and Private Sectors

Last Friday, the Association of Liberia Human Resource Professionals (ALHRP) hosted a one-day human resource training at the Civil Service Agency as a means to refresh and build the capacity of Human Resource (HR) professionals in both the public and private sectors. The training had an impressive turnout of HR experts eager to upgrade their skills and foster collaboration.

The program focused on promoting a happy and productive working environment, motivating employees, and enhancing transparency and accountability. Various topics were covered, including compliance with the decent work act, employee termination, refunds, benefits processes, NASSCORP payroll components, and LRA tax categories.

In an insightful commencement address by the Principal Administrative Officer of the Civil Service Agency, Mr. Alfred Drosaye, he mentioned that human resource managers should be able to motivate employees and reward them for their good job performances, and that it is important for HRs to inspire employees to engage more in meetings, trainings and workshops for their own benefits which will also improve their work output. He went on further to say that HRs managers should manage transparency and accountabilities effectively and efficiently in meeting the goal of their institutions.

Cllr. Marion N. Wreh-Socree, the Human Resource Director of Firestone Rubber Plantation, spoke on the importance of providing written notice to the Labor Ministry before terminating or making staff redundant, and keeping salary information confidential. Mr. Wisdom Jah of the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP) explained NASSCORP’s schemes, including the Employment Injury Scheme (EIS), National Pension Scheme (NPS), and Welfare Scheme (WS). The EIS provides benefits to employees injured on the job, paid for by the employer. The NPS offers pension benefits to retired or disabled insured persons, with contributions from both employers and employees, meanwhile the WS encompasses a range of governmental programs designed for individuals and families who do not make enough money to have a decent standard of living. Mr. Jah also emphasized the need for employees to acquire their social security identification cards and register within the system.

In representation of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), Mr. Isaac B. Stevens explained the concept of Personal Income Tax (PIT) and its periodic payment from an individual’s income. He also clarified the differences between a Contract Employee and a Contractor, with the former being on a company payroll and receiving benefits while the latter is an independent worker without benefits.

Mr. Stevens highlighted the requirements for obtaining Real Property Taxes, which includes a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) from LRA, legal documents proving ownership, and other relevant forms and identification. He also inspired HR professionals to encourage employees to acquire their Personal Income Tax (PIT) to understand more of their gross salary and its calculation.

Gracing the occasion, the Director-General of the Civil Service Agency, Hon. James A. Thompson thanked the President of ALHRP, Mr. Jonah Soe Kotee for such initiative, and encouraged continuous partnership in working more with the Agency to implement rules and regulations in putting workers in a good working environment.

Mr. Kotee later spotlighted the evolving role of HRs in today’s dynamic business landscape, and stated the significance of aligning HRs’ strategies with overall organizational goals to promote diversity and inclusion in the well-being of employees.

The overall training facilitated knowledge-sharing and networking amongst HR professionals and aimed to improve HR practices and create better working environments. The program hosted various HR professionals from various notable institutions including TipMe, Easy Solar, the President’s Young Professional Program (PYPP), Access Bank, Firestone, and the African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU), amongst others.