Why dignity of labour is an important lesson to teach children #WorldDayOfSocialJustice

Respect at workplace and dignity of labour are concepts that are still evolving around us. Strange, but true. Whether it is a corporate employee messing up a client meeting, a waiter spilling water on a customer, or a househelp shattering an expensive vase into pieces, their mistakes are never taken kindly. People like to blame them for lack of commitment without realizing how an unhappy environment can deter a person from consistently showing up for work and performing well. How people treat those who serve them, no matter what their paygrade, speaks volumes about them and influences others too. Even more so, when children are observing and learning from their behaviour.

Take preschoolers for instance. Preschoolers are taught about helpers like doctors, plumbers, electricians, sweepers etc. and are encouraged to dress up as them on special days. They’re taught about their role in society and how essential they are for our comfortable life. However, if the same preschoolers come home to witness their staff and nannies getting mistreated, or errand boys being yelled at for delays, which impression would last in their minds? Shouldn’t dignity of labour be taught at home too?

Teenagers don’t have it easy either. Waiting tables might be a fashionable, popular and practical concept in the West but our entitlement, especially with youngsters, knows no bounds. Instead of handholding, their amateur skills are mocked at and they’re often overworked and underpaid. They’re called uncivil names (everyone is Chotu) sometimes. Eve-teasing and personal safety are a rampant issue for girls. How can we encourage our teenagers to seek employment when dignity of labour is apparently a farcical concept?

The good thing is that one doesn’t need to move mountains to bring about positive change. Children’s impressionable minds absorb everything quickly, it’s us who consciously need to work towards it. Mutual respect is a beautiful way to build trust and gain loyalty. Let’s see how we can inculcate manners that display dignity of labour in our children.

Make them accountable

From toys to food and clothes to books, kids have a habit of recklessly throwing stuff around the house. The importunate mess leads to wastage, odours, grime and damage and is sometimes irreversible. All of it lies in gay abandon till someone (mostly the househelp) picks or cleans it up. If kids are taught to take care of their belongings and store them in their proper place the house would look clean and tidy, wouldn’t it? Tell them that the Didis and Bhaiyas would bless them for their good manners.

Respect is earned

No matter what their age, children tend to take leeway with people who work for them. Raising their hand (especially young ones), flaunting authority, expecting favours beyond their scope of work, etc. may not seem grave but they set an alarming precedent. Remember, you pay the help, not them. Encouraging kids to address your staff and helpers kindly and politely goes a long way in making dignity of labour a part of their life. Same rule applies when you talk to their teachers or school attendants. If you show deference, so will they.

Give and set real example

Child labour might be banned in India but dire situations force the underprivileged to seek work in whichever capacity they can. Such children can be seen working in tea shops, washing cars, or selling random things on signals even in harsh weather conditions. Next time you see a mature-before-age kid trying to make ends meet for his family, ensure your child sees a courteous interaction between you two. Don’t haggle with him/her. Also, don’t forget to smile and say Thank you. Your child will certainly love and respect you more for it.

Societal responsibilities

The government encourages us to keep our city and surroundings clean through the Swacch Bharat Abhiyaan. Can’t we then inspire our kids to begin that by keeping our home and neighbourhood hygienic too? Helping cleaning up after family, religious or society functions is a good way to educate them about social responsibility. Older kids can take up volunteer work if possible. The lesson ‘no job is small or beneath you’ ensures that they regard dignity of labour as their way of giving back.

Reward their efforts

Paying kids for running home errands isn’t a prevalent concept in India. However, it’s a good way to prepare them for professional life later where negotiating pay, nature of work, and developing skills are crucial for growth. Additionally, it makes them feel valued and creates a deep sense of dignity of labour. Remember, every effort matters.

20^th February is celebrated as World Day Of Social Justice around the world. It’s a United Nations designated day that aims to promote fair and inclusive societies, tackling poverty and social inequality and strengthening social protection systems. As we look ahead for a better tomorrow, it’s important to instill good social skills and behaviour in our children. They are the future and learning to value, respect and trust each other is their only hope.

Do you agree? Please share your thoughts with me.

This post is a part of ‘Echoes of Equality Blog Hop’ hosted by Manali Desai and Sukaina Majeed under #EveryConversationMatters blog hop series

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Varsh

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