True respect lies in acknowledging vital contributions of every individual, from the sweeper to the CEO
We often observe a disturbing truth in offices, companies, and society at large: people are valued and assessed based on their titles and positions rather than their accomplishments. This way of thinking encourages disrespect, undervalues crucial roles, and causes needless divisions. It’s time to acknowledge that every person, no matter what their title, is essential to maintaining the functionality of our systems and lives.
Consider a sweeper as an example. They play a crucial role in public areas, workplaces, and hospitals. Infections can flourish in an unclean hospital, endangering patients’ lives and weakening medical staff’s efforts. Similar to this, a dirty workplace affects everyone’s productivity by causing discomfort and even health hazards. However, sweepers, the foundation of hygiene and cleanliness, are sometimes disregarded or even insulted. Although in a different setting, their role is just as important as that of a governor. Even the greatest positions will falter if the basis of cleanliness fails.
Now consider the orderly or peon. They are responsible for ensuring an office runs smoothly and efficiently every day. Their contributions, which range from pouring tea to delivering crucial files and helping with other daily duties, are frequently unseen but crucial. There would probably be chaos in the workplace if these duties were not performed. Many of us do not recognize their efforts despite this. Rather than simply shaking hands or saying “thank you” as they leave the office, they frequently receive persistent critiques and disregard.
However, this attitude of demeaning others is not exclusive to workplaces. Let’s take a brief break from the office. Think about a high-ranking official who keeps cattle at home, such as a governor or director. Does the director or governor do it personally when it is time to feed the animals, clean the cattle shed, or remove cow dung? Probably not. They hire someone to do these jobs, and they might pay them a small amount, like 1000 rupees. However, what if that individual, or anybody else they seek for the job, declines? Would the task still be completed?
The answer Is clear: they rely on that individual, just as we rely on many people to perform things that we frequently forget. Our lives are held together by the unseen threads of every job, from the sweeper to the housekeeper, from the peon to the sanitation worker. However, many prefer to minimize their efforts rather than respectfully and gratefully appreciating our need on them.
The delusion of superiority associated with certain designations is the source of this problem. Many people in positions of leadership or who identify as “officers” make the mistake of thinking their job is intrinsically more significant. What is the logic for this, though? Like the peon or the sweeper, an officer is merely a government employee. Every individual is a cog in the system, cooperating to fulfill a shared purpose or benefit the public. Since we are all officials with equal responsibilities to society, no one should, legally or morally, consider themselves to be fundamentally superior.
Respect shouldn’t be determined by hierarchy. Just as important as those in higher positions are the sweeper who keeps things clean, the peon who helps with office work, and the worker who looks after our homes and animals. The system would fall apart without them. In addition to being immoral, this poisonous culture of demeaning people based merely on their job titles is also ineffective. Mutual respect and teamwork are essential for a company or society to flourish, where everyone recognises and values the efforts of others. We can establish an atmosphere where everyone feels appreciated, inspired, and proud of their position by cultivating a culture of respect.
Therefore, take a moment to think the next time you engage with a sweeper, a peon, or someone you hired to help with work. Give them a handshake, a smile, or a pleasant gesture. They are just as important to the organisation and our lives as anyone else, so thank them for their efforts. Let’s embrace the humanity that unites us all and overcome the fabricated boundaries of hierarchy. Then and only then can we genuinely create a society in which respect and dignity are universal principles rather than privileges.
The writer is a Medical Officer at the PHC Shargole, Kargil
Dr Fazal ul Haq
wa*******@***il.com