I am convinced that at the heart of every successful organisation are the employees who will work to their best to get the job done or those who are just workaholics. The truth is there are many employees in Jamaica today who are working behind the scenes without any acknowledgement from either their bosses or the public.

It is very important that organisations motivate their employees as this will keep the fires of passion and commitment burning in the workforce. The number-one reason why employees quit their jobs is lack of appreciation. Everyone wants to feel significant and to be recognised for what they do. Therefore, we should always encourage and thank our employees instead of cursing and calling them names. When they do an outstanding job, we need to let them know. That way, they will win your trust, and their energy will be boosted and morale will be lifted. I am not suggesting that employees should have a free ride, but we have to criticise them in a constructive way,

Influence and inspiration

Persons with true power and titles are often misguided by this feeling. Many directors, CEOs, or managers who are disliked can be all but ignored by those under their command, while a respected employee with a lower title can wield significant influence over what others do and how quickly they do it. Influence or inspiration comes from the person, not the position.

This, in my opinion, affects production at this level and there is no way that there can be a solution to our public cry for Jamaica to look towards production in order to give the country some hope of recovery.

The call for production is an ongoing one today. However, we must understand that the private sector is part of the problem. For years, private-sector employees have been subject to all sorts of abuse on the job. Employees have to work under inhumane conditions and, to top it off, underpaid and no compensation package.

There are situations where employees are deprived of their rights and privileges. Most companies do not permit staff their lunchtime and they have to work extended hours without overtime pay. This, in my opinion, is a sophisticated kind of slavery.

The Government needs to look into this matter with some urgency if the idea of nation building is to become a reality.

I am, etc.,

DEVON KING

mailbox4844@yahoo.com

Kingston 19