Industrial relations is of utmost importance to provide a conducive working environment in the present day competitive market scenario. Rapid improvements in technology affect retention of competent manpower especially that of the younger generation. Efficient man management is possible only when a feeling of involvement in organisational functioning is effected not just with labour but also with subordinates in the supervisory cadre.
Man power management emphasises on integration of human resources and creation of an atmosphere of self involvement to make functioning more conducive. Retention of talent is extremely essential to ensure market survival at a time when several well established business enterprises have lost their markets and their very existence. It is noteworthy that in the present times it is the employee and not the employer who is King!
Dictatorial techniques and creation of a sense of fear within the working environment by employers are now relegated to the past as loss of employment or impediment to further career growth are no longer successful techniques in manpower retention.The adoption of such techniques are more destructive than constructive for the present day employer who will in the process lose out in modernization and in turn the ability to survive. Market survival of an organisation in the modern day context demands that existing experienced man power should blend with the present techn- savvy generation to provide a cohesive environment for both growth and stability. The experienced employees can work in more advisory capacities and shift more aggressive techn-savvy skills to the front line for efficient marketing and superior customer interaction.
Today it is the employer who has to tread with caution as the floor under him is highly slippery. Employees of the younger generation are more demanding and man power retention can be ensured only by considering their demands more favourably and less aggressively by higher echelons in industry to ensure both employee and customer retention. Additionally it is also up to the employer to provide the appropriate job attractions and avenues for speedy career growth to retain efficient man power.Further functioning should not be mere drudgery and management should ensure conducting suitable resource development programmes to tap its human potential to the maximum.
Employee sensitive attitudes and creation of a harmonious working environment are extremely essential as the modern customer is highly demanding.In an era of extensive computerisation, newer approaches like "work from home"replace traditional office atmosphere with incentives for successful performance creating a sense of motivation.The grant of performance related incentives will ensure a feeling of involvement and in a way a feeling of joint ownership among employees which is business promotive. Trade unions should also adopt a greater conciliatory approach with management both in the interest of its own members as well as that of the organisation. It should remove the distance between employer and employee with its demands being more supportive to growth. Politics should be replaced by meaningful dialogues which can also provide greater innovative ideas to employers to increase both functional efficiency and ensure more qualitative product delivery.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in My News are solely those of the author in his/her private capacity and do not in any way represent the views of Onmanorama, or any other entity of Malayala Manorama.