You gotta fight for your (workplace) rights

Gina London

American flags on Independence Day. Photo: Bing Guan/Bloomberg

July 04 2021 02:30 AM

Get out your red, white, and blue banners, bunting and Captain America pinatas, dear readers, and join me in celebrating Independence Day. Yes, today is 4 July 4, and normally for this transplanted American, and perhaps many of you reading right now, it would be time to zip over to the US Ambassador’s digs in Dublin’s Phoenix Park to partake in the annual tradition of eating grilled meat (or vegetarian options), drinking Jack Daniels (or soft drink options), dancing to country and western music and fireworks.

I remember, the first year I arrived in Ireland, Ambassador Kevin O’Malley gleefully oversaw festivities and posed for photos accompanied by Marines in dress blues. Next, Chargé d’Affaires Reece Smith assumed the helm for a couple of years while the Trump administration took its time appointing an official. During his brief stint, the pandemic prevented Ambassador Ed Crawford from raising a star-spangled glass. This year, we’re in limbo again. Would-be Ambassador Claire Cronin was only recently nominated and lockdown limitations mean the skies over the park will remain dark.

I am happy to report that my neighbours and fellow Americans Leigh and Ross have invited me to their Independence Day BBQ. Fortunately, for you, I’ve decided to examine what it means to be “free and independent”.

That phrase comes from the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson and the other Second Continental Congress members used the document to assert their right to break away from Britain when they adopted the text back on this day in 1776.

You’re likely familiar with the oft-quoted eloquent preamble on “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”. Then there’s a long list of grievances against King George and the last paragraph concludes with another string of rights: “as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do.”

I am particularly intrigued by the detailed lists of “rights” the free and independent should receive. The notion of having rights continues to evolve and has come to include employee rights.

Recently, Ireland’s latest tech unicorn Workhuman took a step beyond minimum pay and maximum work week entitlements to unveil a new charter of workplace rights.

“Eighty-eight percent of employees would prefer to work for a company with a clear policy on employee rights,” said CEO Eric Mosley.

They outline nine distinct rights and are partnering with companies to champion them. I’ll add my own thoughts.

1. I have the right to meaningful work

This concept depends on how you define meaningful, doesn’t it? No matter what you do, if you do it with care, pride and attention, you will find more meaning and impact. When a company directly links your role as an essential part of its overall mission, it can fill you with more purpose.

2. I have the right to be appreciated

A survey years ago discovered the number one thing employees want – more than salary and holidays – is to be valued. It’s no wonder this right ranks at the top. How much value do you show yourself and others?

3. I have the right to work-life harmony

Call it work-life balance or work-life integration, each of us certainly knows more than ever how personal life impacts work productivity and performance. Keep it real, folks.

4. I have the right to belong

Is your company creating a sense of community for everyone? Diversity equality and inclusion programmes are a given. Also, more and more employee resource groups are being created to support people with shared experiences and backgrounds. If your company isn’t, it’s time to inquire.

5. I have the right to grow

Despite WFH, employees continue to seek professional development to achieve promotions, build capacities and influence their careers.

6. I have the right to be paid fairly

We need to feel confident that we’re being compensated based on our skills and performance.

7. I have the right to privacy

This one is covered by GDPR and the European Convention on Human Rights, and any organisation should also ensure that you are confident your personal data is not being shared.

8. I have the right to feel safe and respected

Hand in hand with the right to belong and connect with others who share your interests and beliefs, is the right to speak up about your interests and beliefs and feel that you can do so in a safe space.

9. I have the right to work in a place that strives to protect the environment

Sustainable business practices are no longer a nice-to-have, they’re a must-have. How do you feel about these rights? Imagine not only how your organisation may incorporate them into corporate culture but also how actively you may embody them to support others and yourself. Happy Independence Day. Let freedom ring.

Write to Gina in care of SundayBusiness@independent.ie

With corporate clients in five continents, Gina London is a premier communications strategy, structure and delivery expert. She is also a media analyst, author, speaker and former CNN anchor. @TheGinaLondon