The recent
spate of incidents involving an EY Pune from Kerala and a Delta employee from Thailand,
bring to light the large-scale inhuman practices present in various industries.
The Gen Z, working
out just after college do not seem that concerned about health. They work in
their offices enjoy their high paying salaries.
But thus,
brings to fore the unhealthy work schedules, the tight deadlines, and the hire and
fire policies.
Though the
trade unions don’t really seem to be the answer, but I am sure the problem
needs to be addressed by compassionate business leaders before it becomes a
calamity.
Referring
to the above incidents, I am reminded of my work schedules in my early working
days in Mphasis, Amrita and Whitehatjr which was all beyond comfort. I was lucky
that in Amrita and Whitehatjr my Managers and Projects were changed and that
brew fresh oxygen to my life though not lucky enough in Mphasis that took a
toll on my health.
As such
every manager is just bothered about his next uprisal or promotion and that
does go a long way to make a case of his/her KRA’s very strongly to his/her boss.
I think there is a need to reevaluate and understand what really ‘fundamental’ needs
to be driven to the last mile.
There is also
an acute need to articulate a vision from the company leader /founder so that
it drills down throughout the last person in the company about being a compassionate
leader beyond the quarterly results.
I also call
for more activism by HR managers/mentors who should also have the decision-making
power to help an employee move from a toxic environment to a productive state
where employees can connect with the HR without fear and prejudice.
Many
leaders have spoken,I am sure Narayan Murthy would also be happy with his employees being healthy and vibrant instead of working 70 hours a week.
This is a genuine
concern in the industries of IT/BPO/Ed-Tech/Financials where Gen-Z seems to be
working tirelessly. I hope we do not require another Anna Sebastian to address the
situation.