EFC Solutions Unit expands as one-stop shop for 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 and climate surveys, are all open to both EFC members and non-members alike at an affordable fee. 
“Introducing proactive measures to manage human capital effectively and efficiently replete with transparency is core to the Solutions Unit,” said EFC Assistant Director General and Head of Solutions and Training Ayomi Fernando.  
Such measures as 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 observed. 
The unit, which has experienced rapid growth during the past four years, is another reflection of the 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,” said EFC Solutions Unit Senior Industrial Relations Advisor and HR Coordinator Sewwandi Jayatunga Wijesekera. 
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, said 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, said the HR coordinator, who also noted that particularly for potential foreign investors who want to establish business ventures in Sri Lanka and parent companies overseas, which have 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 an 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,” observed 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 minimize 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 the EFC’s Solutions Unit, further mirrors the success of its role.
“The 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, the EFC continued to provide relevant advice and consultancy,” said Siyapatha Finance PLC HR Committee Chairman Preshanthalal de Alwis.