A New Beginning: Empowering Our Team Through Mass Communication and Recognition

When I first joined the plant, I noticed something that stood out—while the workforce was skilled and dedicated, there was a significant gap in communication and team morale. The workforce was often focused on promotions, salary demands, and bonuses. This negativity was dragging down the spirit of the entire plant. But I was determined to change that.

One of my first initiatives was to introduce a morning meeting with the mechanical team, followed by other HODs. The gatherings grew steadily, ranging from 20 to 40 people, and I began to see the power of open, transparent communication in action. I realized that mass communication is essential to include everyone in the same narrative, moving away from individual demands and toward collective progress.

Breaking the Barrier of Negativity

Initially, the idea of mass communication was met with doubts. After all, it hadn’t been practiced much in the plant before. Many workers began raising issues of salary, bonuses, and promotion—familiar concerns that were rooted in the lack of recognition and trust. Some of my team members voiced their concerns, saying that the workers were too negative and could spoil any good idea.

But I remained firm in my belief. I knew that these issues could be addressed by shifting the focus from demands to recognition and celebration of achievements. With a clear vision, we set out to organize an event that would promote positivity and inclusivity while addressing the concerns and boosting morale.

Planning the Event: A Celebration of Excellence

We planned for a mass communication program to create a platform for acknowledging individual efforts, encouraging teamwork, and celebrating our plant’s success. The first step was to select our Employees of the Year. We made sure the selection process was fair, transparent, and free from favoritism, avoiding any bullying influence. The department heads were given the responsibility to select an individual from the department who truly deserved the recognition for their hard work and dedication.

To ensure a fair and meaningful selection, I requested each HOD to nominate the most deserving employee from their department based on the following universal criteria:

Performance Excellence: Consistently meets or exceeds assigned targets and contributes to departmental goals.

Dedication and Commitment: Demonstrates a high level of reliability, punctuality, and enthusiasm in completing assigned tasks.

Innovation and Problem-Solving: Shows creativity in addressing challenges and contributes ideas for process or efficiency improvements.

Teamwork and Leadership: Exhibits exceptional collaboration with colleagues and takes initiative in guiding or supporting the team.

Adherence to Safety and Compliance: Maintains strict adherence to safety protocols, company policies, and operational guidelines.

Overall Impact: Positively influences the workplace environment through their behavior, professionalism, and contributions to the organization.

Next, we found the perfect venue—a beautiful assembly point near the main gate of the plant, surrounded by tall Asopalav trees, offering a serene atmosphere. A place in front of a giant Ravenala plant was chosen, which added a touch of nature’s beauty to our event.

To give the stage the appropriate feel, we built a 1.5-feet tall platform using expired kiln bricks, filling it with sand and adding steps on both sides. The plant’s surroundings became a symbol of transformation as we readied ourselves for the ceremony.

The Day of the Event: 3rd January

Since 1st January was a holiday and 2nd January was uncertain, we finalized the event for 3rd January—an opportunity to start the new year on a positive note. The program kicked off with flag hoisting, followed by everyone gathering at the assembly point.

Our wonderful admin team, Mr. Aglan and Mr. Kuwanu, anchored the program seamlessly, bringing energy and clarity to the event. The plant’s production and safety records were shared with everyone, celebrating our collective achievements. I, along with our Finance Controller and GM-R&D, delivered speeches focusing on the importance of teamwork, excellence, and growth.

One of the most impactful elements of the event was the recognition of our Employee of the Year. Each winner was called up together near the stage, and certificates along with cash rewards were presented to them by the hands of the HODs. This gave the winners a moment of pride and appreciation in front of their peers, inspiring the entire workforce.

Creating Memories: A Positive Environment

As a firm believer in the power of memories, I made sure to capture the moments—both professionally and personally. After the recognition ceremony, we enjoyed a spirited photo session, with plenty of selfies to mark the occasion. The smiles on everyone’s faces spoke volumes.

The program concluded with a safety pledge, where I led the English version, and we reaffirmed our commitment to a safer, more productive plant. The entire atmosphere was filled with positivity, with workers leaving for their duties energized and uplifted. We wrapped it all up in less than 1.5 hours, from 7:30 AM to 8:45 AM—a quick yet meaningful way to start the day.

The Impact: A Positive Change

The event was a resounding success. It wasn’t just about celebrating the winners—it was about creating a new culture, where open communication and recognition of effort became the norm. By addressing the workers' concerns in a constructive manner, we turned negativity into motivation, helping everyone see the bigger picture.

In the end, the event was more than a ceremony; it was a catalyst for change. It marked a new beginning for the plant—a place where employees are valued, communication flows openly, and excellence is the goal. The small investment of time and effort in organizing the event created massive value by fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment within the team.

Moving Forward: The Path to Growth

As we continue to build on this momentum, my focus will remain on fostering transparent communication, recognition, and teamwork. I’m committed to seeing every individual grow and feel valued. When we collectively raise the bar, we can achieve remarkable things. Together, we’ll continue to strive for excellence and make this plant a place we can all be proud of.

I’m excited for what lies ahead, and I’m confident that this is only the beginning of a much larger transformation. Let’s keep moving forward together!

Guess, what I am going to do with this team of our Superstars. 

Feel free to share your thoughts on creating positive work environments in the comments below!