PEOPLE AND ORGANIZATION - MN7234ES

Introduction In today's rapidly evolving business environment, organizations are increasingly recognizing that their most valuable asset is their people. The skills, creativity, and adaptability of employees determine how well a company can respond to technological change, global competition, and shifting customer needs. As industries transform, the demand for new capabilities continues to grow, making talent development a critical priority for future-ready organizations. By investing in continuous learning, empowering employees to upskill, and creating a culture that supports growth, businesses can build a resilient workforce prepared to thrive in the future world of work. Recent initiatives across Sri Lanka illustrate this shift. For example, VFS Global, in partnership with NCPC Sri Lanka and ASSIST Development Foundation, launched a “Tourism Skilling Programme” targeting youth and focusing on eco- and cultural tourism, digital marketing, and soft skills—representing a concrete e...

Introduction In today’s competitive and rapidly changing business environment, organizations are beginning to realize that true success goes beyond strategies and systems; it lies in their people. Traditional workplaces viewed individuals simply as employees who executed assigned tasks. However, modern organizations understand that when people feel valued, empowered, and connected to a shared purpose, they contribute far more than just labor.                           Changing the way an organization works from a "command and control" style to one that sees employees as strategic partners has become a key factor in long-term success. When employees are encouraged to collaborate, innovate, and take ownership, both productivity and organizational loyalty thrive. This shift improves performance and builds a workplace where individuals feel proud to belong, creating a strong foundation for collective success. Story of Change—H...

Introduction   Employees are not just resources—they are the driving force behind innovation, productivity, and organizational resilience. By investing in people, fostering a positive culture, and aligning individual goals with organizational objectives, companies can unlock their full potential and achieve excellence. In today’s competitive world, organizations that prioritize their people are the ones that thrive, adapt, and lead. At the heart of every successful organization lies its people. No strategy, technology, or process can achieve sustainable growth without a motivated, skilled, and engaged workforce Rowanthi Garments – Resilient Leadership & Employee Retention A case study in the Sri Lankan Journal of Human Resource Management describes how Rowanthi Garments used resilient leadership to retain employees, especially during difficult times. SJP  Journals + 1 The leadership emphasized emotional care, internal career development, and transparency—helpin...

Introduction  People contribute their best ideas, energy, and commitment to the organization’s growth. This powerful connection between people and organizational strength is reshaping modern workplaces across industries. Empowered employees are more innovative, more collaborative, and more aligned with organizational goals. They take ownership of their work, adapt quickly to change, and help build a culture where performance and trust flourish. Likewise, organizations that invest in their people—through development, recognition, communication, and fair leadership—experience stronger performance, higher retention, and long-term sustainability. This human-centered approach is no longer optional; it is essential for any organization that wants to thrive in an increasingly competitive and dynamic environment. Hemas Holdings—Examples of People Empowerment Wellness & Employee Well‑being Hemas places a strong emphasis on employee wellness. Their “360 You” initiative recogni...

Introduction Organizational culture is not just a collection of values displayed on a wall; it is the essence of an organization. It influences how employees think, behave, and interact with one another, ultimately shaping the overall performance of the workplace. A strong culture creates a sense of belonging, guides decision-making, and fosters trust, while a weak or negative culture can lead to conflict, low morale, and poor productivity. In today’s competitive business environment, organizations that understand the power of culture are better positioned to attract talent, keep employees engaged, and sustain long-term success. By shaping behavior, driving motivation, and aligning people with organizational goals, culture becomes one of the most powerful forces behind organizational excellence. “John Keells Holdings (JKH) demonstrates how a strong organizational culture can drive employee behavior and business success in Sri Lanka. Through its values of integrity, innovation, openness...

Introduction  Employee relations in the public health sector are a critical component of maintaining an efficient, responsive, and compassionate healthcare system. Public health institutions—including government hospitals, regional health services, and community health centers—depend heavily on the dedication and coordination of a diverse workforce such as doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, administrative staff, and support personnel. Because the sector directly impacts human lives, the quality of employee relations has a profound influence on service delivery, patient safety, and organizational stability. High workloads, resource constraints, stressful working conditions, and frequent interactions with unions and professional bodies characterize the unique challenges of the public health sector. If not effectively managed, these factors can lead to tension. Therefore, strong employee relations—built on communication, fairness, trust, and collaboration—are essential to ...