In News:
Transform workplaces into supportive spaces;
Avijit Pathak writes on toxic work culture: Imagine a life outside the office,Why the young must draw red lines their bosses cannot cross
2.In the context of contemporary work culture, critically examine the implications of pursuing ‘productivity’ and ‘success’ at the expense of meaningful engagement and well-being. Use suitable examples to illustrate how this pursuit can lead to dehumanisation in the workplace.
The contemporary work culture, often driven by a relentless pursuit of productivity and success, can have detrimental implications for individuals’ well-being and overall quality of life.
Implications of pursuing productivity and success:
Dehumanisation of employees:
Organisations often treat employees as mere resources to achieve goals, stripping them of individuality. For example, unrealistic deadlines can make workers feel like machines rather than valued individuals.
A study by the IIM Ahmedabad found a significant number of Indian IT professionals were experiencing burnout due to excessive workload and long working hours.
Poor mental health:
The relentless drive for productivity leads to increased stress and burnout. The case of Anna Sebastian Perayil highlights how toxic work environments can have life-threatening consequences.
Negative impact on society:
A dehumanising work culture can contribute to broader societal issues such as inequality, social unrest, and a decline in overall well-being. For example, a study by the World Health Organization found a link between long working hours and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Counterproductive work behaviours:
Employees may resort to behaviours like time theft or knowledge hiding as coping mechanisms. Feeling undervalued can lead to intentional slowdowns in work pace.
Strained relationships:
Workplace dehumanisation impacts personal relationships, as stressed employees may bring frustrations home, leading to conflicts with family and friends.
Alienation from work:
The pursuit of success often causes alienation, where individuals feel disconnected from their roles. Many report boredom and meaninglessness despite holding prestigious positions.
Ethical compromises:
In the pursuit of success, employees may be tempted to compromise their ethical principles or engage in unethical behaviour, such as falsifying data or engaging in discriminatory practices.
Therefore it is essential for organisations to prioritise employee well-being, create a supportive culture, and promote a healthy work-life balance.
PYQ
- In the context of work environment, differentiate between ‘coercion’ and ‘undue influence’ with suitable examples.2023
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Source:
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/transform-workplaces-into-supportive-spaces/article68737624.ece#:~:text=Focus%20on%20work%20quality&text=A%20culture%20where%20mental%20health,time%20spent%20or%20deadlines%20met.;
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/avijit-pathak-writes-on-toxic-work-culture-imagine-a-life-outside-the-office-9590393/
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/why-the-young-must-draw-red-lines-their-bosses-cannot-cross-9590394/