Tonga Statistics Department Embraces Culture Change Training
January may have flown by in a flurry of preparation for the Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES). Still, February has started with an inspiring focus on team culture at the Tonga Statistics Department (TSD). Excitement has been building since late 2024 for the highly anticipated Cultural Change Training, a collaborative effort between the TSD, Statistics New Zealand, and the World Bank-funded Statistics Innovation and Capacity Building in Tonga (SICBT) Project.
This dynamic training brought together experts from New Zealand and local guest speakers, igniting conversations and fostering a shared vision for a positive and productive work environment. The commitment to this initiative was evident in the presence of the Government Statistician and his deputies, who attended all four days of the training despite their busy schedules. This dedication underscores their support for creating a positive workplace culture at TSD and their belief in the value of investing in their staff. The focus was not on immediate transformation but on raising awareness of each TSD team member’s powerful role in shaping their collective culture. The goal? To nurture a thriving environment that motivates and inspires everyone to bring their best selves to work each day.
The training emphasized the importance of building a culture that supports:
- High-Performing Leadership: Empowering leaders to guide and inspire their teams.
- A High-Performing Workforce: Creating an environment where individuals can thrive and contribute their talents.
- Connection and Collaboration: Fostering strong relationships and teamwork across the department.
- Trust and Safety: Building a foundation of mutual respect and psychological safety where everyone feels valued and supported.
This initiative underscores TSD’s commitment to its staff and to creating a workplace where everyone feels empowered to succeed. A huge Malo ‘Aupito to Statistics NZ, the SICBT project, and our inspiring guest speakers for their invaluable contributions. And a special thank you to all the TSD staff for their enthusiastic participation and willingness to embrace this exciting journey of culture building. The dedication to creating a positive and collaborative workplace is truly appreciated and will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of the Tonga Statistics Department.
We look forward to seeing the positive impact of this training in the months and years to come!
