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The first phase of a pilot scheme on team-based performance rewards in seven government departments will be launched in mid-2001, a spokesman for the Civil Service Bureau said today (May 2).
The Secretary for Civil Service, Mr Joseph W P Wong, announced in October last year that a pilot scheme on team-based performance rewards would be introduced in selected departments as one of the initiatives under the Civil Service Reforms. Participation in the scheme is on a voluntary basis and departments must consult their staff before volunteering to join the pilot exercise.
"The pilot scheme is a ground-breaking exercise as we will be testing new systems to reward staff based on performance. For the first time ever, civil servants may receive a cash bonus on top of their basic salary in reward for their outstanding performance," the spokesman said.
"We are pleased to note widespread support from departments to the proposal. This will allow us to conduct a thorough trial of performance-based rewards in a diverse range of departments," he noted.
A total of ten departments have indicated an interest to join the scheme. They are Buildings Department, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Government Flying Service, Government Property Agency, Home Affairs Department, Housing Department, Information Technology Services Department, Judiciary Administration of the Judiciary, Leisure and Cultural Services Department and Rating and Valuation Department.
The spokesman said, "Moving towards the spirit of a more performance-based reward culture, the proposals submitted by all ten departments are innovative."
"Some departments have indicated their intention to try the Scheme out in selected units or divisions while others propose to implement the Scheme for all teams in the department. Both approaches are acceptable."
"However, given the novelty of the idea, we must proceed very cautiously. A phased approach, in our view, is most appropriate."
Six departments will participate in the first-phase of the pilot exercise. They are Buildings Department, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Government Flying Service, Home Affairs Department, Judiciary Administration of the Judiciary and Rating and Valuation Department. Housing Department will join later this year after further consultation with staff.
"The Government Property Agency, Information and Technology Services Department and Leisure and Cultural Services Department will join the second phase of the Scheme, when they will be able to benefit from the lessons learnt in the first-phase pilot." The spokesman added.
Civil Service Bureau has commissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers Limited on an 18-month contract to assist the participating departments in the development and implementation of the reward schemes.
"Participation of staff sides in developing and administering the reward scheme is a very important element in this exercise." The spokesman stressed. "Department management will involve the staff concerned throughout the process."
End/Wednesday, May 2, 2001
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