As the saying goes, without labour, nothing prospers! It is true that labour or employees are the heroes behind delivering every milestone and success of any organisation. They are the backbone of any organisation, which relies on them to achieve the overall objectives and mission. Of course, employees are the assets of any business and if they are well-invested, then the return will be reflected on their own performance. This is the formula that works here; treat people as you want to be treated! Once employees are justly treated and sufficiently paid, they will give back to the business.
However, in many cases employees are undervalued and not well-rewarded for their hard work, and dedication. Despite their sacrifice of their time, effort and comfort, sometimes they are not fairly paid as a return to what they do. It is totally unfair and unacceptable indeed! Sometimes they are not even respected as human beings, so how they could be expected to bring their best to the organisation they work for!
Although there are international standards and regulations that have been set to identify the legal rights and obligations of employees, they could be not fully implemented. The local authorities also have issued certain rules and procedures to protect employees and ensure they get what they deserve.
When it comes to preserving the employees’ rights, it is not only from the financial aspect. Yet, sometimes all what they need is just respect and appreciation more than money. Unfortunately, it is not always ensured that employees get respected or appreciated for what they produce or achieve. This is more irritating to them than not even receiving rewards or financial increment on their salary. Respect is the ultimate requirement for one’s dignity and not money. Generally, all what employees need is to be valued; they need to feel that they are real assets to their employers.
Here comes that significance of the Labour Day, which falls on May 1 every year and being observed worldwide. The day is an opportunity for all employers to regonise the efforts of their employees. It marks the right occasion to value all their hard work and devotion to the business. It is a day for rewarding employees even if their records are having no achievements. Dedicating their time and effort for 8 or 10 hours a day and over 40 hours a week is by itself an achievement. Thus, in return they deserve a token of appreciation for their daily commitment. Perhaps celebrating the Labour Day by having a day off or a special celebration where employees get together could be the reward.
Celebrating this day is more of saying thank you to all employees all over the world. It is their day to be appreciated, thanked and rewarded. Whatever the award is, but they need to feel the appreciation and pride of their employers. I believe everyone of us would love to be appreciated and to get his work praised and commended by others. Regardless of what everyone of us do, but it is the right that each one of us is asking for. Unfortunately, some people think that the Labour Day is the day for the blue-collar men who are working on the low-paid professions. Instead, it is totally untrue what they believe in.
As a matter of fact, all those working on handcrafts or less-privileged professions are even more honoured and should be highly appreciated than the other ones. The Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him, was asked what type of earning was best, and he replied, "A man’s work with his hands and every lawful business transaction." That is why people should not undervalue others no matter who they are or what they do! We are all labours, but everyone is minding his own specialisation and area of business. We all complement one another in what we do in this life.
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