Staff Rotation Program in OOCL Information System Development Center at Zhuhai
When employees seek new challenges, they often look outside their current company for new opportunities. However, they will have to spend considerable time adapting to the new job and proving their abilities all over again and this may have impact on the long-term career growth. Instead of changing companies, employees can achieve similar objectives by seeking a different role within the same company through job rotation, which can provide opportunities for newer ways for learning and contributing and can accelerate career growth. In recognition of this fact, OOCL has a well-established job rotation policy to offer new roles to capable and deserving employees.
Establishing a framework for job rotation provides employees with opportunities to work in different projects to expand their domain knowledge and technical skills. Job rotation is an example of how OOCL cares about its people and encourages creativity and success. Job rotation program is akin to “exchange program” between departments, and varies quite a lot from regular employee transfers. First of all, the program is designed for colleagues who are willing to challenge something new rather than just a change. Those seeking job rotations must have a stellar performance record and be able to perform well in the new role.
Team manager and the program coordinator prepare customized career development plans for job rotation members to offer more challenging and fulfilling tasks. Rotation members undergo various trainings to improve their technical, business and soft skills and are considered with higher priority for growth and development opportunities. Ability to take risks and challenges, going the extra mile, and strong ability to adapt to a dynamic environment are required for a rotation member’s growth and development.
To closely monitor rotation members’ progress and to facilitate their development more efficiently, monthly sharing sessions are arranged where they can share with each other about their experiences and achievements. Rotation members are also required to submit monthly reports. A review is also conducted by managers and the program coordinator every 4 months to assess the progress and improvements and to detect weaknesses.
The job rotation program has been in operation at Zhuhai ISD center since late 2010, with 8 members on board. Most rotation members are involved in new technology areas, new business or even in new job positions. They have been able to gain new project experience and expand their view and have learned to handle more complex tasks and communicate more effectively. Feedback from the hosting teams has been very positive and proves that rotation members with good performance can fit in new position well enough.
The Zhuhai ISDC rotation members were fortunate enough to hear the words of wisdom from Steve Siu, CIO of OOCL, at a recent sharing session. Steve offered his expert views on various topics including decision-making, responsibility and accountability, which was a remarkable learning opportunity for rotation members. Watch this space for more on the inspiring sharing session with Steve.
