From an entrepreneurial perspective like mine, I view employees as clients; employees aren't just part of the business equation - they are its core. They're not paying in cash, but in an even more valuable currency - their time. This precious commodity they generously offer can never be refunded or returned, unlike the monetary compensation they receive. It is their dedication, effort, and commitment that become invaluable resources. This makes it imperative that we respect and reward these contributions.
Considering that time is the most valuable commodity and a person chooses to spend it with your organization, isn't it our responsibility to create a welcoming environment that fosters inner peace and happiness? I've often heard business gurus promoting real estate as a viable investment, stating 'we aren't making more land'. But in reality, you can find more land, given the vast amount of matter floating around in the solar system. What you cannot recreate, however, is time.
If we accept that things we can't recreate are the most valuable, then why are workers, who invest their irreplaceable time, often being undervalued?
This brings me to my personal journey. In 2021, I worked as a packer for Amazon. The challenging work conditions were surpassed only by the dismissal of feedback from the team by the management. Despite offering valuable insights, my suggestions were dismissed by a manager who cited her education and quick climb up the career ladder as the basis for her expertise. It was clear to me that my degree and experience held no weight in her judgment. Unable to align myself with a company that showed blatant disregard for its workers, I quit two days later.
In a similar vein, we've seen UPS face consequences for an ill-judged decision. Last year, a spokesperson deemed air conditioning in delivery trucks 'not feasible' due to frequent stops. The theory was that discomfort could breed inefficiency. Today, they stand corrected, bearing the brunt of not providing a basic comfort to their workforce.
These experiences echo a broader lesson for governments and corporations: Ignoring the well-being of your workforce is a perilous path. A company's success is intricately linked to the wellness and satisfaction of its employees. To disregard this connection invites not only financial repercussions but also severe damage to organizational morale and productivity.
In the pursuit of efficiency, let's not forget the human element. The belief that stripping away comforts increases productivity is, at best, a fallacy. At worst, it's a path to disengagement, disenchantment, and ultimately, business failure.
So I ask you, fellow professionals and entrepreneurs, how can we challenge this mindset and prioritize the well-being of our workforce while still driving efficiency? What measures have you found effective in your organizations? I look forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences.