Working people

Not too long ago, CNA interviewed someone from a job agency while reporting on skills redevelopment of workers. The representative from the job agency commented (not in exact words) that
"we Singaporeans have to show the world that we are good workers, workers who can work long hours....".
I had quite a strong reaction towards her statement. As if our working hours are not long enough! If that is the mentality of most employers in Singapore, then we may be in trouble.

It seems to me that many employers in Singapore have mistaken long working hours for productivity. An employee working long hours may not mean that he is productive and good. He can spend the time day dreaming, surfing the net, going for long tea breaks, taking his own sweet time to finish a task. He might as well work short hours and be productive in his work and then go home early to spend time with his family!

Do the employers in Singapore these days treat workers as machines or human beings? Everyone needs a good family life, spends time with spouse, kids and parents. If one's personal life is not in order and is not living a well balanced life, can he/she concentrate on being a good worker?

What about value-adding at work? What about creativity at work?

French workers are some of the most productive workers in Europe despite their short working hours of 35 hours. What's more, they are some of the least stressed and happiest workers (BBC news reported).

What is happening to our children today as parents have to work long hours? Most children in Singapore have little time with their parents. Many may grow up being insecure, lack of parental love, lack parental guidance and encouragement. Some children only get to see their parents during the weekends. Are we going to expect them to take care of their parents since they have not much time together and building up parent-child relationship?