Business practices that are not considerate of employees and communities
You have learned about the ways organizations support their people, whether it be within the workplace or the local community. In this discussion, you will evaluate business practices that are not considerate of employees and communities, brainstorm reasons why the practices may have been established, and consider how they can be improved.
For your initial post, select one of the following practices to evaluate:
Employee pay is low.
Employee training is limited.
Employee benefits are minimal; there is little paid time off or sick time available.
The workplace culture is described by employees as stressful, competitive, or alienating.
A business doesn't give back to the local community in any way.
A business outsources many of its suppliers even though many local suppliers are available.
In your initial post, evaluate your selected practice by addressing the following questions:
What general factors may have contributed to an organization or business implementing this practice?
What are some potential negative repercussions of the practice on employees, the local community, or the business or organization?
What benefits might employees, the local community, or the business or organization experience if a more people-friendly practice was incorporated?
In your replies to at least two peers, address the following questions:
What specific initiative, practice, or change to your peer's evaluated practice could improve community or employee support?
What are the benefits and risks of implementing your suggested initiative, practice, or change?
If you were the primary decision-maker, would you implement your suggested initiative, practice, or change? In other words, do you feel the benefits outweigh the risks? Why or why not?
Selected practice:Employee pay is low.
Factors that may have contributed to an organization or business implementing this practice:
- Profit maximization: Businesses may implement low pay practices in order to maximize profits. This is often done by cutting costs, including labor costs.
- Industry competition: Low pay practices may be more common in certain industries, such as retail and food service, where there is a lot of competition and businesses are constantly trying to keep their costs down.
- Lack of regulation: In some countries, there is little or no regulation on minimum wage or other pay standards. This gives businesses the freedom to set wages as low as they want.
- Low pay can lead to financial hardship for employees. This can make it difficult to meet basic needs, such as food and housing. It can also lead to stress and health problems.
- Low pay can also lead to low morale and turnover. Employees who are not paid fairly are less likely to be engaged in their work and are more likely to look for other jobs.
- Low pay can have a negative impact on the local community. When employees are not paid fairly, they have less money to spend on goods and services. This can hurt local businesses and lead to economic decline.
- Low pay can also lead to social problems, such as crime and homelessness.
- Low pay can lead to decreased productivity and quality. Employees who are not paid fairly are less likely to be motivated and engaged in their work. They are also more likely to make mistakes.
- Low pay can also lead to increased turnover costs. Businesses have to spend money and time recruiting and training new employees when employees leave.
- Fair pay can help employees meet their basic needs and improve their overall well-being.
- Fair pay can also lead to increased job satisfaction and employee engagement.
- Fair pay can boost the local economy by increasing consumer spending.
- Fair pay can also help to reduce social problems, such as crime and homelessness.
- Fair pay can lead to increased productivity and quality. Employees who are paid fairly are more likely to be motivated and engaged in their work. They are also less likely to make mistakes.
- Fair pay can also reduce turnover costs. Businesses have to spend less money and time recruiting and training new employees when employees stay.
- Pay employees a living wage. A living wage is the minimum wage needed to meet basic needs, such as food, housing, and transportation.
- Offer competitive benefits. In addition to a fair wage, businesses should also offer competitive benefits, such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement savings plans.
- Create a positive workplace culture. Businesses should create a workplace culture that is supportive and respectful. This includes treating employees with dignity and respect, providing opportunities for growth and development, and creating a work-life balance.
- Increased employee morale and productivity
- Reduced turnover costs
- Improved community relations
- Enhanced reputation
- Increased costs
- Decreased competitiveness
- Resistance from some employees or stakeholders