The Solutions Unit of EFC expands as one-stop shop for all HR needs

The Solutions Unit of the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC) which has been providing both its member corporates and non-members with a broad spectrum of Legal and Human Resources (HR) consultancy services since its launch in 2012, has expanded its HR arm, emerging as a one-stop shop for all HR-specific services. 

The services which include drafting and reviewing of letters of appointment, formulation of HR policies and procedures, conducting HR audits, salary and benefit surveys, work study assignments, climate surveys are all open to both EFC members and non-members alike at an affordable fee. 

“Introducing pro-active measures to manage human capital effectively and efficiently replete with transparency is core to the Solutions Unit,” says Ayomi Fernando, Assistant Director General and Head of Solutions and Training, EFC.  Such measures as Ms. Fernando explains enable to avoid confusion, ambiguities and conflict. 

“The facilities and measures provided by the Solutions Unit avoid potential disputes and litigation at workplaces, thereby saving time, effort and funds of organisations and their HR staff,” she observes. 

The Unit which has experienced rapid growth during the past four years is another reflection of EFC’s responsiveness to the evolving business needs. 

“As a trade union with a responsibility towards employers, we pitch fees for all these services at an affordable rate and it is much less than the current market rate,” says Sewwandi Jayatunga Wijesekera, Senior Industrial Relations Advisor and HR Coordinator of the Solutions Unit, EFC. 

Drafting and reviewing of letters of appointment as well as HR Policies and Procedures aligned with relevant labour laws is one of the key services offered by the Solutions Unit. This facility spares companies of the burden of potential litigation, says Wijesekera. “When drafting such documents, one needs to be mindful of the relevant labour laws. Proper drafting of them aligned with the legal framework assures mutual transparency.”

A broad range of HR audits, to suit individual client needs is also on offer. 

From pre-recruitment to employee exit, a host of HR processes are available says the HR Coordinator who also notes that particularly for potential foreign investors who want to establish business ventures in Sri Lanka and parent companies overseas which has subsidiaries/associates here, this service is immensely beneficial. “Since they are not conversant with the domestic labour laws, we could facilitate a hassle-free establishment.”

The Solutions Unit also has good news for companies in their infancy as it facilitates the establishment of a HR Division providing consultancy and training for the HR personnel.”Today we have moved away from a pure litigation psyche to a preventive one and the HR training mirrors this,” observes Wijesekera. 

The EFC also offers audits of outsourcing arrangements by corporates. Though ‘Outsourcing’ per se is not illegal, it does pose many risks which are not fully comprehended by companies. 

The audits help to identify and recommend mechanisms to minimise these risks. 

Employee satisfaction surveys and formulating and review of performance appraisal systems tailor made for the requirement of clients are also under the belt of the Solutions Unit.

The Human Resources Division of Siyapatha Finance PLC which was setup under the guidance of EFC’s Solutions Unit further mirrors the success of its role. 

“EFC’s Solutions Unit proposed and drafted all policies relevant to the scope of human resources and remuneration at our organisation and even after the completion of the assignment, EFC continued to provide relevant advice and consultancy,” says Preshanthalal de Alwis, Chairman, HR Committee, Siyapatha Finance PLC. 

He further noted that EFC’s Solutions Unit should be applauded for the strength of the HR Division at Siyapatha Finance. 

Murthaza Eusufally, Director Hemas Hospitals Board also lauded EFC’s Solutions Unit for performing a very effective HR audit for Hemas Hospitals. 

“EFC helped us understand the intricacies of the labour law pertaining to our industry and helped train our HR people to implement their recommendations to ensure that we adhere to the spirit and the letter of the law and the Wages Boards Ordinance,” said Eusufally.