Human resource body calls for stronger workplace accountability

The human resource managers’ professional body has weighed in on the treatment of migrant workers, calling for renewed scrutiny of labour practices, stronger accountability and ethical leadership in the workplace.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Human Resource Management Association of Barbados (HRMAB) said it “unequivocally condemns the mistreatment, exploitation or abuse of any worker — whether local or migrant”. It pledged to continue working with employers, trade unions, government and other stakeholders to strengthen governance, leadership and accountability across Barbadian workplaces.

“Our call to action is simple but important,” the association said. “Let us move beyond reacting to individual cases and instead commit collectively to building stronger workplace cultures.”

HRMAB said allegations of workplace misconduct must always be taken seriously, while noting that due process, objective investigations and evidence-based decision-making remain essential to maintaining confidence in employment institutions.

“Upholding both accountability and fairness is fundamental to maintaining confidence in our employment institutions,” the association said.

HRMAB’s statement comes amid heightened national attention following allegations involving the treatment of migrant construction workers, which have prompted government intervention and renewed calls for stronger workplace protections. 

The Barbados Employers’ Confederation also called on employers last week to uphold ethical labour practices and fully implement the Decent Work Country Programme. The 2025-2030 programme, developed with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), sets a strategic roadmap to advance inclusive employment, social justice, and workers’ rights.

Responsibility for creating respectful workplaces extends well beyond human resources departments, said HRMAB

“Workplace culture is not created by Human Resources alone,” it said. “It is shaped every day by organisational leaders, supervisors, employees, trade unions, employer bodies, regulators, policymakers and the wider business community.”

HR professionals serve as strategic advisers, guardians of ethical people practices and stewards of organisational culture, the association said, but noted that their effectiveness ultimately depends on leaders being willing to listen, act and be held accountable.

According to HRMAB, policies alone are insufficient if they are not consistently reflected in leadership behaviour.

“Respect, inclusion and fairness cannot simply exist within an employee handbook — they must be reflected in everyday decisions, actions and interactions.”

It also highlighted the importance of creating psychologically safe workplaces where employees feel comfortable raising concerns without fear of retaliation:

“Healthy workplaces are those in which employees feel psychologically safe to raise concerns, confident that those concerns will be heard, investigated fairly and addressed without fear of retaliation.”

Describing Barbados’ renewed commitment to the Decent Work Country Programme as both timely and significant, HRMAB said preserving the country’s long-standing tradition of social dialogue would require continued collaboration among employers, employees, trade unions, government, regulators, professional associations, civil society and international partners.

Every worker, regardless of nationality, race, gender, occupation or employment status, deserved to be treated with dignity, fairness and respect, HRMAB said.

It also encouraged organisations to use the current discussion as an opportunity for self-assessment by reviewing whether their policies reflect best practice, whether leaders are equipped to manage people ethically, whether employees genuinely feel safe speaking up and whether complaints are investigated fairly and without delay.

Barbados’ future of work “cannot be built on productivity alone” but must also be grounded in trust, dignity, accountability and respect, the association added.

(SM)