The recent self-assessment of the Ekosistem Kondusif Sektor Awam (EKSA) conducted at the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Press has brought numerous positive impacts on the quality of services and productivity of the department. This programme, inspired by the Malaysian government, aims to strengthen a culture of excellence within public sector agencies through the management of a more systematic and conducive work environment.

What is EKSA?

EKSA is an initiative that replaces the 5S practice (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardise, Sustain) with improvements and more comprehensive elements. It emphasises not only cleanliness and orderliness but also focuses on enhancing corporate image, creativity, and innovation, as well as environmental preservation.

The Self-Assessment Process

The self-assessment of EKSA at UPM Press involves several key steps, including internal audits, training sessions, and workshops for staff. The process begins with a briefing session to ensure all members of the UPM Press understand the objectives and importance of EKSA. This is followed by internal audits to identify weaknesses and areas for improvement in managing the work environment.

The audit assesses various aspects, including the organisation of documents, maintenance of equipment, use of office space, and adherence to cleanliness and safety guidelines. As a result of this audit, several significant findings were identified, and immediate action plans were developed to address any issues.

Positive Impacts and Improvements

Implementing the EKSA self-assessment has brought many benefits to UPM Press, including:

1. Increased Productivity: With a more organised and tidy work environment, staff can perform their tasks more efficiently. The time taken to find necessary documents or equipment is also reduced.
2. Staff Morale and Motivation: A conducive work environment contributes to increased staff morale and motivation. They feel more comfortable and enthusiastic working in a clean and orderly setting.
3. Corporate Image: By adopting EKSA practices, the image of UPM Press as an institution prioritising quality and excellence is enhanced. This positively affects both internal staff and external visitors and clients.
4. Environmental Conservation: EKSA also emphasises environmental conservation through recycling practices and prudent use of resources. This aligns with global efforts to minimise negative impacts on the environment.

 

Challenges and Future Steps

Despite the numerous benefits, implementing EKSA also faces several challenges. These include the attitude of some staff who are less aware of cleanliness and orderliness practices and budget constraints for implementing certain improvement initiatives.

However, with continuous commitment from all parties, these challenges can be overcome. UPM Press also plans to conduct more training sessions and workshops to raise awareness and skills among staff in practising EKSA. Additionally, self-assessments will become a regular activity to ensure these practices are consistently adhered to and improved over time.

Conclusion

The self-assessment of EKSA at UPM Press is a step in the right direction in enhancing the quality of services and productivity of the department. With a more conducive work environment, staff can work more efficiently and enthusiastically, contributing to the organisation's goals. Although facing some challenges, continuous commitment and effort from all parties will ensure success in implementing EKSA in the future.

Date of Input: 12/07/2024 | Updated: 12/07/2024 | ms_arif