Employers Vs Employees mindset

Have we ever wondered why few people perform well in jobs while others struggle to do so? While the answer to the question isn't so simple, it's always possible to look into different perspectives of employees and employers. By nature, both parties think differently. Employers have an organization to run while employees take care of certain sectors collectively. The unhappy employees are switching jobs because of the differences between them and their boss. The conflict in the thinking pattern can cause unwanted problems. The conflicts can the minimized only if both the sides take an attempt to understand each other better.
Employers hire people basically for two reasons- either they facilitate their company making money or saving money. Whether it's a manager who takes decisions or a receptionist who makes the first impression for the organization, all are hired and paid to contribute to the success of the company.
The vast majority of companies seem to see their employees as nothing but cogs in a machine, easily replaceable and of little real worth. Certainly, employers provide employees with an income, and hopefully some benefits, which is fine. But at the end of the day, the employer is likely to get far more from the employee than the employee is getting from the employer.
You can never even imagine a company without workers. Well, unless you think of yourself as the last man standing, a one man army. In that case, you should know that your company is not likely to grow as big as you would want it to. For the regular organizations, employers should be grateful for their employees, and treat them accordingly. Without employees, there would be no company, no revenue, and the attitude that employees are easily replaceable just won't cut it much longer.
Add to that the fact that most employees are giving up the best years and hours of their lives, sacrificing time with friends and families, in many instances for minimum wage or little more. Sometimes companies seem to have the attitude that the employees, should count themselves lucky to work for them. They, sometimes, also seem to assume by default that the employees can't ever be trusted, and treat them accordingly. This is incredibly wrong.
There are no doubts that employers are creative at all times always giving the organization ideas and constructive ones for that matter. If that is the case, then why does such mindset against employees exist? Answer is not as simple as you would want it to be. Typical mindset of employer against employee is very pessimistic .They traditionally believe a theory where the management assumes that employees are inherently lazy and will avoid work if they can .Very few employers are exceptional and certainly they are the leaders in the corporate world. Why are they different? Because, they believe in a different ideology. Such management assumes that employees may be ambitious and self-motivated and exercise self-control. Given the proper nurture, they can be transformed as assets for any organization.
On the other hand, employees feel like that their efforts are neither appreciated, nor understood. The constant question hammering them “Am I utilizing my skills to my fullest potential or spinning my wheels on non-value added tasks?” never stops.
So what is it that employees want from employers? Answer is very simple- freedom. They want freedom to innovate, freedom of time and place, freedom from the constraints of mindless bureaucracy and worthless middle management. They want fair compensation for efforts. They want their experience, skill, and expertise to be counted. They want mindless tradition to disappear, and innovation and creativity to be both encouraged and rewarded.
Having a decent work environment is more than necessary. This is the biggest conflict of interest. Employers barely care enough for the work envornment as it's the least of their headache. After all, they have a business to run. On the other hand, an employee wants to feel comfortable in his/her workplace. You can't blame them for wanting so as they spend a major chunk of the day in the office. I could use an example from my real life here. I was luckily a part of the interview board when an interviewee was asked a question in this regard. Working in the same position for a reputed pharmaceutical company for last seven years, he was asked by the interviewers, “Why did you continue for last seven years in the same position?” Without hesitation he answered, “because the working environment was great.” Sometimes, a friendly work environment is all they want. I've seen case where a new recruit wanted to leave his company because he wanted a more dynamic work environment.
An employee always wants opportunity to learn new skills, take on additional responsibilities in the organization or lead their organization is some significant way are all meaningful expectations. For a performer it is very difficult to handle the situation when someone with below average supersedes his position or receiving more salary than him. Above all employee want respect from company & secure their retirement life. Maintaining the thin line of secrecy is necessary for both employees and employers.
The table has turned. The pawns have made it to the other side of the board, and have become infinitely more influential in the process. There is a mass migration beginning to take place, a shift from employees to entrepreneurs, from followers to leaders. Nowadays employees are neither a passive nor a fearful generation. If the employers don't get on-board, employee will leave without hesitation or regret. Anyone-can-be-replaced attitude will not and cannot work. It's a two way road. If employees are giving their hundred percent, then it is up to the employers to value them properly.

The writer is the Head of HR & Admin at Grameen Telecom Trust.