May 1st in Cameroon: Social Dialogue and Decent Work for a Serene Future

At Hospisoft, technology comes to life thanks to exceptional men and women.

A Global Day Like No Other

Every year on May 1st, the world celebrates Labour Day—a major moment to recognize the importance of work, the value of workers, and the social progress that must be protected or pursued.
In Cameroon, the 2025 edition of this day was themed:
“Social Dialogue and Decent Work for a Serene Cameroon.”
A highly relevant theme at a time when companies are rethinking their models of organization, engagement, and human management.
At Hospisoft, an innovative company in digital health solutions, this day was celebrated with joy, gratitude, and respect for those who are our true strength: our team members.

The 2025 Theme: Social Dialogue and Decent Work, Pillars of Lasting Peace

Social dialogue isn’t just about talking. It’s about building, listening, negotiating, and above all, making decisions together.
In a country where over 70% of workers operate in the informal sector (according to the ILO, 2023), promoting a climate of dialogue is an economic and social necessity.
Decent work goes beyond just a paycheck. It embodies essential conditions that ensure dignity, security, and development opportunities for every worker.

It starts with safe and healthy working conditions. Every individual deserves a professional environment where their physical and mental health is protected. This means not only complying with safety standards but also implementing preventive measures against occupational risks—whether related to tools, work schedules, or organizational structure.
Decent work also includes social protection—a vital safety net in life’s uncertainties. Health insurance, retirement coverage, maternity leave, and work accident compensation: these social rights allow workers to live with less uncertainty and greater peace of mind.

Another fundamental pillar: respect for fundamental labor rights. This includes freedom of association, the right to collective bargaining, equal treatment, and the fight against any form of discrimination or forced labor. This legal and ethical framework is essential for maintaining justice in professional relationships.

Finally, decent work means access to social dialogue and continuous training. Being heard, being able to speak up, and contributing to decisions that affect daily work life are key to a respectful work environment. Training enables workers to enhance their skills, progress in their careers, and adapt to the evolving world of work.
Defined this way, decent work becomes a true driver of social cohesion, sustainable productivity, and national stability.

“Without decent work, there is no decent society.” — Juan Somavía, former ILO Director-General.

This theme highlights the foundations of a balanced, prosperous, and resilient society—where businesses act not just as engines of production, but also as forces of social transformation.

Cameroon at a Crossroads: Between Challenges and Hopes

Despite moderate growth estimated at 3.9% in 2024 (World Bank), Cameroon continues to face significant challenges, such as precarious employment among young graduates, persistent inequalities in access to decent jobs, and low union representation in the private sector.
However, recent initiatives signal a willingness to change: implementation of a National Plan to Promote Decent Work, development of public-private partnerships to enhance vocational training, and progressive digitization of human resource management in public administration.

At Hospisoft: Innovation and Humanity at the Core

May 1st, 2025, was a special moment at Hospisoft—a day dedicated to honoring our exceptional team members, the true architects behind our technological solutions.
Shared smiles, heartfelt conversations, and a warm meal defined the day, strengthening bonds between colleagues. Management also expressed appreciation through inspiring speeches that recognized everyone’s commitment and passion.

Each moment echoed our core belief:
“Behind every innovation, there are people. And behind every person, there’s a potential to be revealed.”

Hospisoft: A Corporate Culture Rooted in Respect and Innovation

Hospisoft is a committed team of around ten professionals from diverse backgrounds—software development, public health, project management, and customer service—united by a shared goal: to improve the daily lives of healthcare workers.
Our strength lies in active listening to staff needs, a human resources policy focused on ongoing training, flexibility, and work-life balance, and in digital tools designed to ease the workload of health professionals.

• In 2024, Hospisoft launched a digital medical archiving platform in three hospitals in Douala, reducing administrative processing time by 60%.
  This time-saving benefits both patients and healthcare professionals.

May 1st, A Reminder: Value, Listen, Act

Through our celebration of May 1st, we reaffirm a clear vision:
A company is only strong when it respects and values the men and women who make it up.
We firmly believe that technological innovation can only thrive in an environment of trust, well-being, and co-creation.

For a Serene Cameroon, We Need Responsible Businesses

May 1st, 2025, was more than just a celebration it was a call for more listening, fairness, and human-centered vision within our organizations.
At Hospisoft, we will continue to do our part innovating with purpose, respecting those who are the pillars of our success, and building every day a workplace that is dignified, ethical, and motivating.

“A good software saves time. A good work environment saves talent.”

Keywords

Labour Day • May 1st • Social dialogue • Decent work • Lasting peace • Workers’ rights • Working conditions • Dignity at work • Occupational safety • Social protection • Discrimination • Freedom of association • Equal treatment • Collective bargaining • Continuous training • Social cohesion • Decent society • Social justice • Informal sector • Sustainable productivity • National stability

Sources:

• International Labour Organization: www.ilo.org
• Cameroon National Institute of Statistics: www.statistics-cameroon.org
• World Bank, Cameroon Country Reports 2024: www.worldbank.org/cameroon
• Employment in Africa Study, ADB 2023: www.afdb.org