Case Study - MAS Holdings

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Supporting the advancement of factory-floor associates in Sri Lanka





Mas Holdings, a global apparel manufacturer founded in 1987 operates in 17 countries in Asia, Europe and the USA. The company has implemented various training and development programs to upskill the employee's performance ensuring the company goals and objectives. The HRM at MAS Holdings focused on developing both technical and soft skills and encouraged employees to apply higher levels such as team leader and group leader. In 2021 more than 1000 employees got leadership training and grew their career life as well as personal life. The majority of the workforce at MAS Holdings consists of women. Many of them are young but lack of formal education. To support their growth, HRM introduced a training program named PACE (Personal Advancement and Career Enhancement) for enhancing communication, decision making and time management skills. In 2021 more than 900 candidates participated in the training and gained significant benefit. By providing technical training to the female employees MAS successfully developed internal mechanics, which was held only by male employees.

There was a significant impact from the training to maintain employee turnover at a minimum level. In 2021 it was 29.5% significantly lower than the similar industries which is 60%. By up-skilling the employees performance the organization was able to introduce series of internal promotions. Promoting internal employees who have acquired the expected level of skills was more cost-effective than hiring from the outside who have less experience with the organization.

Conducting technical training, MAS was able to increased the main KPIs such  productivity, individual performance and the quality of the production. Soft skill training helped develop a motivated workforce. Some employees were selected and trained as trainers and mentors, which benefits both the organization and the employee. 





References

MAS Holdings. () Supporting the advancement of factory-floor associates in Sri Lanka. Available at https://www.ifc.org/content/dam/ifc/doclink/2023/case-study-mas-holdings-supporting-advancement-of-factory-floor-associates-sri-lanka.pdf [Accessed: 01 April 2025 ]

MAS Holdings Impact report. (2023) Empowering our employees, creating world-class workplaces, upholding our commitment to women at the heart of our workforce, and supporting the communities around u : Lives Changed For Good. Available at https://masholdings.com/impact_report/2023/impact_review/lives_changed_for_good.html [Accessed: 01 April 2025 ]


Comments

  1. Nirmani HansikaApril 3, 2025 at 8:09 AM

    In this article you clearly defined about MAS holding's best practices for reduce employee turn over through conducting training and development by using practical examples

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thivon LiyanageApril 10, 2025 at 1:57 AM

      MAS focuses on building soft skills like communication, decision-making, and time management, especially among their female workforce. It's impressive how this initiative, along with leadership development training, has not only upskill the employees but also helped reduce turnover. Thank you for your attention on this regard.

      Delete
  2. Manju KariyawasamApril 3, 2025 at 7:56 PM

    MAS Holdings excels in employee development through programs like PACE, focusing on technical and personal skills, especially for women. Their emphasis on internal promotions and mentorship boosts motivation and reduces turnover.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thivon LiyanageApril 10, 2025 at 2:15 AM

      I agree with you. MAS Holdings has done a great job in creating a supportive and growth-oriented environment for their employees. Specially for female employees. MAS believe that not only the technical training but also personal development also important. With the program like PACE MAS was able to empower specially female workers ensuring the long term retention.

      Delete
  3. Ranjith MunasingheApril 4, 2025 at 6:20 PM

    The article effectively showcases MAS Holdings’ commitment to employee development through strategic training programs. Their focus on both technical and soft skills, particularly for women with limited formal education, highlights a strong push toward inclusivity and empowerment. Initiatives like the PACE program and leadership training have not only boosted individual growth but also significantly reduced employee turnover and improved productivity. Promoting from within has proven cost-effective, while also fostering loyalty and motivation. MAS’s approach demonstrates how thoughtful HR practices can drive both personal and organizational success.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thivon LiyanageApril 10, 2025 at 2:28 AM

      Thank you very much for your detailed comment. You have nicely summarize the entire article. Organizing inclusive and well-structured training programs like PACE and their leadership development initiatives, MAS holdings was able to transform both individual lives and organizational performance. Their focus was upskilling women with limited formal education which led to have skill female employees and low employee turnover.

      Delete
  4. Shanika GamageApril 12, 2025 at 7:27 PM

    This blog highlights MAS Holdings' commendable commitment to employee development, particularly for women on the factory floor. By combining technical and soft skills training, MAS has boosted performance, reduced turnover, and promoted internal growth. A powerful example of how strategic HRM fosters inclusive, cost-effective, and sustainable workforce advancement in Sri Lanka.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thivon LiyanageApril 14, 2025 at 12:16 AM

      Thank you for your attention on this article. I agree with you. MAS Holdings is a good example in Sri Lanka by strategically investing in employee development, especially for female employees. Their focus on both technical and soft skills through the programs like the PACE has made significant improvement in both employees and the organization.

      Delete
  5. Thiranji SamarakkodyApril 13, 2025 at 9:05 AM

    Your case study on MAS Holdings is a compelling example of how strategic training and development can drive both individual growth and organizational performance. The focus on empowering women and promoting from within highlights HRM's positive social and economic impact.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thivon LiyanageApril 14, 2025 at 12:29 AM

      Thank you for your comment. MAS Holdings’ commitment to empowering and upskilling women is not only about achieving business outcomes, but also serves as a valuable social contribution. Programs like these help individuals advance their personal careers to the next level. It's a strong reminder of the powerful role HRM plays in shaping inclusive, high-performing workplaces while also fostering individual growth.

      Delete

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