I initially wrote and published this article in the internal monthly magazine at my former workplace in 2015. I’ve slightly modified the post to protect the organization’s identity.
As employees, we focus on what we lack. Although lacking some of these things can adversely affect our responsibilities, we should always strive to strike a balance.
Recently, I interned at a Government Agency and was very surprised by the conditions under which the employees worked. The little things we take for granted, such as toiletries, stationery, and air conditioners, were scarce commodities. Staff had to bring or buy their drinking water; there was no coffee or tea. Even the chair I sat on just a few minutes before disappeared as I turned my back.
While being employed is reason enough, let’s pause to highlight 10 small benefits that make a significant difference in our lives and remind us that we are privileged employees.
1. Lunch
Especially for those of us in the ‘country’ areas, the lunch may not be five-star restaurant quality, and the variety may be limited. But trust me, it’s a different story when you don’t have lunch. I am not saying we shouldn’t express our concerns; I have certainly done so in the past. But just be mindful that the company did not have to provide lunch for us, and many people would readily trade places with us. And, even if you are one of the fortunate ones and can afford to buy lunch daily, your allotted lunch time might be insufficient.
2. Uniform
Everyone should feel very fortunate to receive uniforms from the company. I cannot afford to buy work clothes, and even if I found the money, I could use it elsewhere. Couldn’t you?
3. Bonus
Many people only dream of their employer giving them a bonus at the end of the year. Over the five years I have worked with the organization, I have received a bonus every year, and for that I am grateful. It doesn’t matter how small it is; it does make a difference, so much so that some of us plan our bonuses as far back as December of the previous year.
4. Birthday Gifts
Sometimes, the smallest gifts make the most significant impact. I cannot say how special I feel when I receive my birthday card; I save it every year. And although birthday cards seem to be fading out, no doubt we all have received something equally valuable. The organization’s birthday gift is perhaps the only one some of us receive.
5. Social Events
Again, I am sure the organization didn’t have to. Still, every year, we are feted to a Christmas event, whether at our location or the entire (company name here) family comes together to enjoy great food and music. During the year, there are many opportunities to enjoy social events, such as the most famous (whatever events your company has) and church service, just to name a few. We sometimes even get the opportunity to enjoy external social events such as Cricket Matches, Father Ho Lung productions, and much more through tickets.
6. Salary Increase
No matter what is happening, no matter how small, the Directors and Senior Managers of the Group recognize the importance of giving us a salary increase every year. We are mindful of our economy’s challenges and know this is difficult. With this in mind, let us continue to do all we can to ensure our company grows so we can be partakers in its success.
“Be of service. Whether you make yourself available to a friend or co-worker, or you make time every month to do volunteer work, there is nothing that harvests more of a feeling of empowerment than being of service to someone in need.” – Gillian Anderson
7. Opportunities to Volunteer
This may not seem like an obvious privilege to some, but volunteering is one of the most rewarding things we can do in life. With this organization, some of us would have the opportunity and the time to give back to our society.
8. Loan/Grants
Although I cannot say I have personally benefited from the loan or grant schemes, those who have expressed how grateful they are to be recipients of either scheme know that education costs a lot. Without the organization’s help, some of us could not finance our or our children’s educational pursuits.
9. Opportunities for Training & Development
Without getting into the significant training and development opportunities that often lead to promotion. We are grateful for small but essential training, such as First Aid & CPR, which is so empowering; it helps us save lives. I was in a meeting recently and was delighted to hear some employees speak about how much they learned and the myths they debunked during the CPR training they attended.
10. Scholarships
I don’t know much about the scholarship the organization offers; I do know that people have benefited from scholarships within the group. The GSAT (now PEP) Scholarship is one such opportunity, and it’s not only for that year but also for the following year and even into college, provided they maintain a particular grade. Isn’t that superb? I would love to hear from people who have benefited from it. I know, especially as a single mother, that having this scholarship would make a world of difference.
BONUS
11. Work Experience Program
Even though many companies offer opportunities for our children to gain experience, getting into these companies takes a lot of work. In addition, I am sure my fellow employees whose children are part of the Work Experience program feel better knowing their children are working at ‘home’ within the organization. This is even more appreciated, given that we learned earlier this year that the program has been enhanced, meaning high school students are now participants.
I am sure this list is not exhaustive; we, as employees, continue to enjoy many other benefits while working with this great company.
William Arthur Ward said, “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”
Although many of us have expressed gratitude on different occasions, let us collectively say a BIG THANK YOU to the organization’s directors, managers, and even the staff who work tirelessly to make these events/perks possible, reminding us how privileged we are.
Gratefully yours,
Patimani & the Privileged Team.
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