Dear Editor,

The appreciation for decent work is gradually being eroded by options which are often found on the opposite side of morality and the law. These options require far less effort and are sometimes more lucrative. Unfortunately, many people appear to favour the latter.

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), “Decent work sums up the aspirations of people in their working lives. It involves opportunities for work that is productive and delivers a fair income; security in the workplace and social protection for all; better prospects for personal development and social integration; freedom for people to express their concerns, organise, and participate in the decisions that affect their lives; and equality of opportunity and treatment for all women and men.”

Some organisations have been slow to adapt to the digital age and are still for the most part rather industrial in their operations. This is compounded by the idea that, no matter how academically qualified or talented, one must pay one’s dues in years of service before consideration is given for higher positions with more attractive compensation in some professions.

What then do we use to attract and keep talented people in the workplace and keep them out of trouble? It will take more than instilling values and attitudes. That fair income of which the ILO speaks is significant. We could start by reviewing entry-level salaries, which should at least allow a young graduate to live independently, meaning they get to leave the nest confidently and live comfortably.

On the positive side, many of our youth have entrepreneurial dreams as they aspire beyond the corner cubicle. This is something which should be embraced if there is no conflict of interest and doesn’t affect productivity. The idea of being shackled by a nine to five is becoming a deterrent.

The novel coronavirus pandemic gave us a glimpse of how work arrangements could be different and consistent in the digital age. Remote work can be a mutually beneficial arrangement. At best, it gives the worker a break from the hustle and bustle of daily traffic and more energy to perform optimally. It reduces transportation costs for the employee and overhead costs for the employer. Done correctly, it is a win-win situation.

Also, as evidenced in the proliferation of social media personalities, people want to be seen and heard. Organisations must listen to the voices of their employees.

Teachers aren’t the only ones we are losing. We are losing our workforce to some of the self-made positions they have created, which often see them ending up on the wrong side of the law, or worse.

It takes a strong individual to embrace decent work as it is. Unfortunately, in today’s world, that strength is eroded by the glitz and glamour which comes from get-rich-quick schemes.

Suzette Campbell

suzette.campbell@outlook.com