Q: Do you believe that employees’ expectations have changed due to the pandemic and economic crisis?

A: The pandemic and economic crisis caused unprecedented upheaval in people’s lives. Employees were facing new challenges daily, and we responded by extending help and support to them without curtailing any benefits.

Prior to this, it had been a challenge to recruit and retain talent. However, after seeing the way the company cared for them during the tough times, we find that our employees are more appreciative of the workplace culture at Aqua Dynamics, resulting in low employee turnover.

The company meets employees’ expectations by offering competitive salaries, positive working conditions and valuing their contributions.

Q: Can you share some of the best practices employed by Aqua Dynamics to navigate the economic crisis for its employees?

A: The company had already been offering a host of benefits such as free meals, office transport, two medical centres, medical insurance policies, and hospitalisation and OPD (outpatient department) benefits over the past couple of years.

During the economic crisis, we doubled transport facilities, and procured fuel and food dry rations, to ensure workers could access the workplace with ease. We have a welfare shop at the factory from which employees can purchase essential items at rates lower than market prices.

Most notably, salaries were increased substantially so that employees benefitted from the exchange rate gain.

Q: What are the key lessons you have learnt from participating in the Great Place to Work survey?

A: The survey afforded valuable insights into strengths and weaknesses, which has enabled us to focus on weaker areas while strengthening relations between managers and supervisors. One of the greatest insights from the survey was seeing how much pride our employees feel in working for us.

We value and trust our employees and give them responsibility, which they in turn value as well. And we offer an encouraging work culture and open communication. We believe that we’ve done our best for our employees, which they have rewarded with regular attendance, commitment and a high quality of work.

Overall, we received a very good score on the survey as employees feel cared for.

Q: How do you look to enhance the employee experience apart from benefits such as career advancement?

A: The company invests in training and development, including IT skills and spoken English training, a supervisor development programme, lean management and so on.

We’re investing in a new ERP system that will go live by the end of this year.

Furthermore, we have implemented a complete Office 365 suite and are providing permanent training to all employees.

We also make our people proud to be a part of the team because the company engages in corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects in the local community – for example, donating between 600 and 700 spectacles to employees and members from the local community over the last two months, and organising a pregnant mothers’ clinic.

Q: In what ways can a positive work culture be fostered?

A: A fundamental tenet of a positive work culture is two-way communication between the employees and management – a quality we uphold at Aqua Dynamics. Any of our employees can access us at any time with any concerns they may have, which fosters trust.

A joint consultative committee has been established to provide a direct channel of communication between workers and management, which is very effective. The management holds monthly meetings with the council to ensure that there is great understanding and clarity between workers and the management.

The results of the Great Place to Work survey were shared with them as well, which reflects the company’s commitment to maintaining transparency.

Q: What are the future plans for your workforce over the next year or so?

A: Recognising and rewarding the outstanding performance of employees is the key to winning their hearts. The management ensures that any employee who has gone the extra mile or put in an outstanding performance is rewarded on a public platform among his or her peers.

When it comes to our employees, our motto is to provide fair employment and empower where possible.

Apart from providing a workplace culture where people can thrive, the company is also investing in modernising the factory while growing with its customers. The new ERP system and the completion of the new facility will enhance employee convenience as we gear for growth.

Established in 1988, Aqua Dynamics is one of the leading action sports manufacturers for custom-built products, combining skilled workmanship with state-of-the-art technology and innovative design.

Today, it is one of the world’s most versatile action sports leaders with a global market share of an average of 25 percent in the leisure sports sector. Eighty percent of our products are exported to Central Europe and cater to major brands in the global market.

– Compiled by Yamini Sequeira

 Telephone 031 5553500  |  Email info@aquadynamics.lk  |  Website www.aquadynamics.eu