HR Expert Highlights Worker Engagement as Productivity Driver

Human Resource Professional, Osei Yaw Sarfo, has called on organizations in Ghana to build a culture of listening and psychological safety in the workplace, stressing that this is essential for improving productivity and employee satisfaction.

He made these remarks on the Business Breakfast show on Zed 101.9 FM as the nation marked Labour Day on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Mr. Sarfo noted that many employers often make assumptions about the needs of their workers instead of engaging them directly.

“We cannot always sit back and assume what employees need, whether it is better working conditions, improved tools, or even something as basic as furniture. It starts with listening,” he said.

According to him, one of the major challenges within many Ghanaian workplaces is a culture of silence, where employees feel reluctant to express their concerns, ideas, or feedback due to fear of victimization or neglect.

“This culture is largely influenced by leadership. If leaders fail to create an environment where employees feel safe to speak up, then organizations miss out on valuable insights that could drive growth,” he explained.

Mr. Sarfo emphasized the importance of fostering psychological safety, a workplace atmosphere where employees are confident that their views will be heard and respected.

“When people feel their feedback will be considered and that their leaders are supportive, it builds trust and improves engagement. Without listening, we cannot truly understand the problems within our organizations,” he said.

He also urged employers to invest in the development of their workforce, noting that many organizations recruit individuals based on their potential, and therefore must commit to nurturing that potential through training and development.

“We hire people because we see growth potential in them. It is only right that we invest in learning and development to help them perform at their best,” he said.

Mr. Sarfo further highlighted the link between employee welfare and customer satisfaction, stressing that organizations that prioritize their staff ultimately deliver better service.

“There is a popular saying that if you take care of your employees, they will take care of your customers. It is important that we place our employees on a high pedestal and provide them with the resources and support they need,” he stated.