Let’s talk about employment in this economy

I can’t even tell the number of calls that I receive on a regular basis about issues in the work place. People claim that employers have been taking advantage of them due to the state of the economy. They want to know what to do and are all those employment still effect.

It was reported to me by various reliable sources that employers’ favorite catch phrase is as follow “You should be happy that you have a job.” I know that I have heard it myself as early as 2007 before the recession worsen. It is quite possible that you have heard it as well. Although one should be appreciative of being employed, one should not have to suffer harassment by employers and/or managers and department directors.

I am sympathetic to employers. They have had our share of challenges during the recession and have been placed in position in which they had to make unpopular decisions to keep heads above water. Unless you live under a rock, you have heard almost consistently since early 2008 that many companies have cut down the staff since it is the biggest expense of any organization. Naturally, some employers have taken the opportunity to get rid of some trouble employees. Let’s be honest, the opportunity to do some house cleaning with minimal consequences due to the recession is too good for employers to pass on; It is an employer’s dream come true.

Still, employers have gone too far in implementing new policies and forcing employees to complete the work that three or fours individuals used to do. They are required to punch out on time; hence: punch out and come back to complete the tasks. Many employees have accepted a pay cut even though the workload increased. The take it or leave attitude has become a popular trend. A couple of weeks ago, a friend called me after an emergency meeting at his work place. He was called into the administrative offices along with a few other nurses, and they were told to BRING IN more patients into the facilities or else. Unheard of! Now nurses, who are care givers, are being asked to become recruiters. Where do employers draw the lines?

Most states have run out of unemployment benefits. Valid claims have been rejected and I have told every one of my friends who’s contacted me to do what is asked of them as long as it does not violate their religious beliefs and values for now and also to keep organized records. The recession will end and things will be back to normal. Employers should be very careful. They are losing talents and soon they are going to pay the price of getting them back. Some organizations may never recover. Most employees will not come back and they will have the last laugh.

To employees: keep on working hard. Give your 100%, acquire new skills, perfect your current skills and wait patiently for your opportunity to shy. Now is the time to be loyal and to keep on holding on to your work ethics. Now is not the time to drop the ball.

To employers: the economy sucks and revenues are low, you can navigate through the recession without having to lose talents. Move strategically by making sure you don’t spent the next twenty years dealing with litigation. Treat people with respect and they will do right by you. Good luck!