A Public Service Induction Workshop was held in the Ngāpūariki Hall, Arutanga from
Monday 25 to Thursday 28 May 2020.
Thirty-three employees from the Ministries of Health and Justice, Tekaaroa School and the Aitutaki Power Board registered for the Induction.
The training was structured around two cohorts learning about the Cook Islands evolution to Statehood, the Machinery of Government and the Public Service Code of Conduct.
A highlight of the training was around the Bullying in the Workplace Module. The participants shared their experiences and one, in particular, expressed how staff and their newly appointed supervisor used to bully each other, “There was no respect or trust. We were unhappy”. The Supervisor of this employee who was also present in the training added that the negative working environment was “toxic” and emotions were still quite raw around this. As a new employee, the Supervisor found a solution that brought this group of colleagues together as a team that trusted and respected one another. The desired outcome was achieved through a series of team bonding, mentoring and meetings over a period of time among the nurses of the Aitutaki Hospital. The Supervisor said, “It was hard work and a lot of “teamwork” and she was glad she took on board the coaching of her Manager. “It was her constant mentoring, coaching, encouragement and support that got me through and also helped me and the team achieve a much happier and healthier work culture”.
It is envisaged that through the Public Service Induction, that our employees will become empowered to not only know their rights but also their responsibilities towards one another but also towards contributing to our national development goals. OPSC provides Induction training on a monthly basis throughout the year and will endeavour to deliver this programme more regularly to the Pa Enua. Since the start of this Financial Year in July 2019, over 200 Public Servants have attended the Induction training.
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