IN THE WORKPLACE

Iam the general manager of a manufacturing plant with 300 plus workers. How can you prove to the satisfaction of all concerned that a department, section, or corporate unit is overstaffed, with both regular and “endo” workers? What’s the best way to increase labor productivity so that we can justify the employment of people in an organization? Please advise us. – Pink Rose

US General William Westmoreland was at one time reviewing a platoon of paratroopers during the Vietnam War. As he went down the line, he asked each of them a question: “Do you like jumping out of airplanes, son?” The young paratrooper replied “I hate it, Sir!”

The general was surprised: “Then, why are you here?” The reply was: “I want to be around people who do.”

Many of us love to be around with people. Naturally, we are sociable. The trouble is that this same mindset could put us in a lot of trouble. Imagine, for instance a group of eagles who are efficient and fast doing all the work, while turkeys around them do nothing. Having Have a clear figure of your fixed manpower costs. Include the cost of statutory benefits like those paid for social security and other requirements of the law for both regular and contractual workers. That should be the baseline figure. You may be in for a big surprise when you find out the amount. Just the same, whatever amount you may discover, share the same information with your managers, so they will know the extent of their departmental expenses.

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