WHETHER you are a manager, supervisor or worker, training sessions to boost your productivity could well be on your plate.

Such sessions to show people how they can do more in the same time and with less resources were prevalent at the height of the productivity movement in the 1980s and 1990s.

This week, the Economic Strategies Committee (ESC) recommended such training as a way of enhancing efficiency.

What would this involve?

What is needed, according to Singapore Management University professor Hoon Hian Teck, are a broad-based effort from every level of employment and an innovative culture across the board.

Take the cue from reports on past productivity drives. Almost 30 years ago in 1981, the Committee on Productivity suggested learning how the Japanese system fostered a highly efficient workforce.

A key factor was that workers in large companies felt motivated and inspired to give of their best when there was a free flow of information and extensive consultation at all levels before crucial decisions were taken.

There was, of course, continual training, in addition to a good welfare net - including medical and dental benefits and funding for children's education.

Significantly, there were also prospects for job rotation for employees and an element of a seniority-based wage system to reward loyal workers.

In 1990, the Productivity 2000 report said companies could create opportunities for workers to enhance their personal development.

Employers should also consider various flexible work arrangements - including part-time work and the sharing of jobs.

This week, Straits Times Forum contributor Han Tau Kwang suggested that Singaporeans could develop an instinct for lifelong learning, innovation and professional pride, which he said was lacking.

Training could focus on inspiring workers to take greater pride in their work.

But employers could also take a leaf from a point unionist Cyrille Tan made in 1991 on influencing attitude change.

He said: 'There must be a link between efforts and rewards. Workers want to know what benefits lie ahead if they take part in productivity programmes.'

This article was first published in The Straits Times.