WORK to live. Not live to work.
But the reality is very different. Almost every working adult has experienced this – being harassed and chased on deadlines and work-related matters beyond office hours.
Many will tell you even weekends are no respite with the advent of WhatsApp group messaging which just compounds matter with non-stop enquiries and to-do lists.
This was precisely the point being shared by human resource influencer Adalyna (@kerjazz) who urged workers to fight for their rights.
Citing the relevant legislation, she said the working hours are limited to just eight hours daily with anything beyond that deemed as “OT” (overtime).
Korang tahu tak kalau majikan kacau korang waktu habis kerja atau waktu cuti, korang boleh saman majikan? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/tpoa8LHutB
— amighul deghaman (@ricxxxkiddo) December 21, 2024
The narrator highlighted this pertinent point with the case of a man who sued his company for making him reply to work messages beyond office hours. He won and was awarded RM19,000 in damages.
She further commended GenZ employees for wanting to strike a proper work-life balance while contending that nobody previously dared to voice out their opposition.
The short clip was shared on X by amighul deghaman (@ricxxxkiddo) which naturally attracted plenty of feedback given the subject matter would have resonated with many who are slaves to the grind.
The poster went on to wonder if the person who successfully sued his company was still gainfully employed or had been discarded?
One commenter reckoned that the said video should be shown to his boss who would continuously bombard staff with WhatApp messages on weekends through the numerous groups (including one for interns).
This prompted him to just put his WhasApp on silent mode to avoid being disturbed.
One netizen helpfully suggested presenting company management with a book by Dr Alizi Alias and Iman Danial Hakim. The tome was entitled Jangan Ganggu Lepas Waktu Kerja, Boleh? (“Can You Not Disturb Me After Office Hours, Please?”).
Some netizens though had a different perspective on the matter. One asked what if the staff was constantly on the hand phone during work hours?
While another asked what if the tables were turned with staff bothering management after office hours?
Another observed that if the employer who conducts business service has spent a considerable amount on marketing, it is of paramount important for the staff to act on it promptly lest it becomes a wasted investment.
There are obviously two sides to every coin but the truth of the matter is that far too many employers expect complete and utter devotion from their staff without fair recompense.
With the job market being an extremely tough place at the moment, employees have little choice but to suck it up and go with the flow.
Anything less and they risk facing the chop as there are always willing “slaves”. Things need to change but the economic reality dictates otherwise.
For the moment, it is very much ‘live to work’ for the enslaved masses unless one is bold or brave enough to stand up for his/her right. – Dec 26, 2024
Main image credit: MadameNoire
