By P Mohan Chandran
Is it not strange that the corporate world, which prides itself on innovation, falls victim to age-old practices of exploitation? In this dynamic era, why do we see the blatant rigidity and hypocrisy lurking in the corner offices of our industries?
Take, for instance, the case of the standard notice period that has become a norm in our working culture. An employee wanting to switch jobs is required to serve a notice period of up to three months, or they lose two months' worth of hard-earned salary. But the tables magically turn when the same company looks to hire. The job advert screams 'Immediate Joining,' reflecting the stark double standards that persist within the corporate realm. The question arises: is fairness a one-way street in the corporate world?
Similarly, consider the predicament of an employee who, despite earning a hefty salary of INR 2 lakhs per month, suddenly finds themselves unemployed due to factors beyond their control. The axe of layoffs or recession, often unceremoniously, forces them into the arena of freelance or consultancy work, earning them a fraction of their former income, say INR 30,000 per month. Now, in the eyes of prospective employers, this drastically reduced income becomes the benchmark for their new salary package. The exploitation here is manifest. The employer conveniently overlooks the employee's previous salary and industry-standard pay scales, and instead, anchors on their current reduced income, making an offer that is a mockery of their skills and experience.
What is this if not exploitation, one that is veiled under the guise of market dynamics and corporate profitability? Where do we draw the line between business and blatant disregard for human dignity?
Indeed, a robust mechanism is required to safeguard the interests of employees against such practices. It is imperative to enact laws that prohibit such exploitation and enforce a system of regular audits to scrutinize companies' salary structures. The employee, often viewed as a mere 'resource', must be respected as a 'human,' deserving of fair treatment and compensation.
However, change is not only the responsibility of regulatory bodies. It is also incumbent upon us, the employees and job-seekers, to raise our voices against such practices. Social media platforms can serve as powerful tools for sharing experiences and alerting others about companies known to exploit their employees.
As we ponder upon these thoughts, the question remains - how long are we willing to accept these exploitative practices as 'business as usual'? When will the corporate world recognize that the pursuit of profit should not come at the expense of fairness and human dignity? Can we envisage a corporate culture that respects the value of its workforce as much as its balance sheet?
In the end, the onus falls upon us. Will we continue to endure the corporate paradox silently, or will we rise, question, and demand the change that is long overdue? After all, aren't we more than just numbers on a payroll?
Do you think corporate exploitation exists in today's world?
Yes, corporates exploit vulnerable job-seekers & employees.
No, exploitation is consensual & we cannot blame others.
© 2023. P Mohan Chandran. All Rights Reserved.
12062023
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