This write-up is intended to be the last of the series on the employment situation in the nation and today, the discourse shall hover around a group that seem to hold the highest stake in the labour market. The employers of labour call the shots and could also in some way, determine what becomes of some destinies...as the saying goes: 'he who controls your time, controls your destiny'. You can read previous discourse on the employment situation in the nigeria here: http://www.asknigeria.com.ng/topic/312/employment-situation-in-nigeria-from-the-government-s-angle AND http://www.asknigeria.com.ng/topic/297/employment-situation-in-nigeria-the-prospective-employee-s-angle
The employer is driven by result which is reflected in profit making thus most of the decisions taken are geared toward actualizing this goal- revenue generation. Therefore, his (employer's) utmost desire is to inject creativity and freshness into the organization as growth is being pursued: this is the motive behind recruiting 'qualified' individuals into different positions in the organization. However, when there is a depreciation in value, with employees not living up to expected standard, the employer could relieve the employee of his/her appointment.
But with the realities on ground- economic crunch and unsteady market operations- recruitment/employment has become more difficult as downsizing takes ascendance with organizations [especially private ones] aiming to 'weather the storm' and gain stability...moreover, some organizations that could not manage the situation have since folded up leaving the unemployment gulf ever gaping.
These underlying factors- economic crises- have had some employers of labour ignominiously making the most of the employment situation as they tend to overexploit employees; consistently and ravenously 'mining the employees' gold' without considering their (the employees' standard of living)- although it might be widely accepted that the objective of every employer is to maximize profit while minimizing cost but the standard of living of the employees, needs to be firmly considered and reviewed. The vulnerability of prospects and/or employees who are desperate of finding a job or maintaining their position, is taken advantage of with the employers inaudibly reserving the fact that should one individual fail to accept their 'substandard' offer; another person will gladly embrace the offer. For instance, I have heard of an employee who [upon the downsizing of her company's workforce] had to take charge of three different positions with no increase in her remuneration.
The machines are taking over
Furthermore, it is not uncommon to see automated machines now taking the place of human as technological advances take sway...slots available for prospective employees and even the established ones in organizations are now reduced. A case study is the bank where Automated Teller Machines are being used for transfer, withdrawal and even deposit hence what is the need of having large numbers of cashiers in the banking hall? But it still remains to be seen if the machines will eventually take over majority of the activities within the 'human space'.
In conclusion; it is quite logical that employers take actions directed at sustainability and development of their organizations but in order to fight unemployment in the nation, it is necessary to look beyond recruiting the 'very best' of applicants; they have got to be committed to the personal development of the staff members of their organizations and also prospective employees who are promising...the employer must learn to invest in people and not just the job alone.