A common stereotype for most workplaces is that of the employer employee conflict – a never ending war between the bosses vs the grunts. Even the terms used represents the disparity of the two groups in the workplace. This is something the mainstream media love to perpetuate – an ongoing conflict which seems to be as inevitable as a cat and mouse rivalry. It’s becoming quite comical nowadays that people market one’s workplace to be – toxic free and no drama – as an upside.
Unfortunately, that is the reality in which we live in. While I personally can’t fathom why this is still happening till this day, it’s become a subject matter of intrigue to me. Which is why today, we’ll be taking a look at some of the reasons behind this disparity. Funnily enough, the inspiration from this article comes from two friendly species of fishes in the sea which we can stand to learn a thing or two from.
We’re NOT Really A Family
In the wild, there is a species of fish known as the Remora that uses their suction-like organ on its head to attach themselves onto larger organisms like whales and, most commonly, sharks. They eat off any parasites on the shark’s skin, keeping the host healthy while also getting protection from them from other predators. Ladies and gentlemen, this is what a symbiotic relationship looks like in nature.
Employer-employee relations are just like that! Albeit we don’t feed off of each other, nor do we come from a different species… but you get what I mean! We work together for our own benefit. That is basically the crux of why we would willingly spend hours of lives working with and/for other people. The relationship is transactional in nature and it serves its purpose beyond what others are hoping for.
Problems arises when we try to act like it’s more than it is.
Many like to equate work relationships with being in a family. In a sense that is true, considering the absurd amount of time we spend at work nowadays. However, I believe this is an inaccurate comparison. Families aren’t replaceable or leave when they feel like it. All of which is what makes the workplace that much different than a household. It’s an often forgotten topic when we try too hard to emulate the hip and trendy workplace to this generation’s liking. The more we role play as family, the more we become disillusioned with what really goes on in the company.
Considering Perspectives
For employers, our business is our brain child – our baby – our precious that needs to be protected at any costs. It’s not uncommon to find bosses and founders to work almost 24/7 to sustain the company. Sometimes, those efforts pale in comparison to say with our employees that works a comfy 9-5. It will seem that they are not actually contributing enough and it frustrates us that they don’t seem to care as much about the company!
The truth is, it is unreasonable to expect employees to be as devoted as we are. How can they? They have their own lives and personal goals to accomplish that exists outside of their work. No amount of compensation is enough to justify it ever – unless you are willing to coerce them into doing so – which in itself is inherently making the workplace a terrible place to be in.
For employees, know that this relationship can never one sided. With compensation, it entails a natural exchange of it for your effort and service towards the company. Being deceptive and skimping work time does not benefit any party in this case. Remember that the livelihood of the company ties directly to your livelihood too. If the company goes under, then you may also be dragged along with it – or at the very least, leaves you on a life raft scampering to look for another boat.
As you can see, personal motivations differ from one person to another. That is the nature of being individualistic humans. The challenge here is about putting these people together under one banner and ask them to cooperate indefinitely.
Back To The Fishes
A shark does not have to go out of its way to protect the Remora and vice versa with the Remora needlessly being diligent at clearing off the sharks’ body. However, they still choose to do so as it mutually benefits both parties. Similarly in the professional setting, one could not thrive without the other performing their intended role. If employers think that employees should be more like them or vice versa, companies will not be able to grow sustainably.
The key to cultivating a cohesive work environment is by first understanding this key difference and build the company while keeping this aspect of the relationship in mind. This keeps our focus objective and can stave off any bad blood that can come up from unnecessary presumptions.
To cap it off, as is an HTO article, a few takeaways from myself who have been on both ends of the work spectrum.
1. Treating everyone as humans.
Employees are not slaves. Employers are not overlord cash cows. By remembering that we’re all humans just playing different role within the company, we can all set aside our personal grievances and work towards a common goal.
2. Understand motivations
Demotivation stems a lot from not knowing what we’re working towards. Founders may already know their company’s vision since day 1, but are they properly conveyed to everyone else on the team? Knowing the goal of the company can help realign everyone and gets us to appreciate each individual contributions more.
3. Affirmations go a long way
Especially in the workforce of the millennial kind 😏, positive reinforcements keeps company morale at an all time high. This helps when weathering through difficult times where bonds are truly tested!
4. Compensate reasonably!
Money and benefits are a key driving factor in performance. Denying it is simply a foolish act. So, do not over or under compensate, but be as fair as you can according to the outlined responsibilities!
5. Be the go-to
We often strive to be the go-to person or the go-to product/service for people whom we care about. It makes us feel important in the eyes of others. I’d say the same goes to our employees, employers, colleagues, workplace, and whatever. Build a growth-oriented environment where people actually enjoy working and see the positive changes that comes from it!
Remember, it’s a workplace, not a war zone!