A workplace is like a team with people from different places and backgrounds. They all work together to achieve the company’s goals. In this team, both employers and employees have certain rights and responsibilities that they need to follow. The whole system is structured. Every employee and employer in the company has specific rights and duties. This makes it straightforward for everyone to know what to do when they come to work.
The roles, rights and responsibilities of employees in the company are critical. If there are any issues because of unclear roles and responsibilities, it can create problems that are hard to handle. This is because everyone in the company, including different departments or teams, has a common goal, and they all depend on each other. If one part of the work is delayed, it can affect the tasks and responsibilities of different departments.
Rights and Responsibilities of Employees
Rights of Employees
Here are the rights of an employee in the organization:
Interval Time
Every employee has the right to an interval of at least one hour during the day. Some companies even allow employees to take a nap for 1.5 hours. It’s easy to forget about our mental well-being amid office work. These breaks are meant to help hardworking employees recharge both physically and mentally. The idea is that after a rest, they will feel refreshed and can continue the rest of the day with the same enthusiasm as in the morning. Regardless of the company’s size, status, turnover, or working hours on a specific day, employees are entitled to at least a half-hour break to rejuvenate and relax.
Specified Working Hours
Typically, every company has established working hours ranging from 8 to 10.5 hours daily. These hours can be in shifts, flexible, or inflexible. Any work beyond the predefined hours is considered overtime. In such cases, the employee has the right to receive additional compensation for the extra hours devoted to the company. Employees can finish their work for the day after completing their regular working hours. In particular, projects requiring the employee’s presence can request additional compensation for the time spent at the workplace.
Secure and Healthy Work Environment
Every employee has the right to demand a safe and healthy work environment, as per Indian laws. It is the responsibility of the company’s HR to provide a secure work culture. Emergency equipment must also be available within the organization. A safe work environment encompasses round-the-clock electricity, air conditioning, clean restrooms, well-maintained kitchens, a workplace free of bullying and harassment, and ensuring the safety of both male and female employees.
Medical Claim Option
Organizations generally offer medical claim facilities to employees in case of accidents or mishaps within the workplace. It’s a shared responsibility to ensure the office environment is safe and free from such threats. However, some events are beyond our control or the company’s control, despite all precautions. In such cases, if unexpected disasters or fire incidents occur within the office, employees have the right to claim access to medical facilities provided by the company.
Responsibilities of Employees
Here are the responsibilities of an employee in the organization:
Merging with Team
Employees are assessed not only on their performance but also on how well they work in teams. Many tasks are divided among groups, and everyone collaborates to achieve a common goal. So, even if you excel individually, being a team player is essential. It involves working well in a group, meeting project deadlines, attending meetings, and demonstrating decision-making and problem-solving skills. These qualities are necessary to progress within the organization.
Working Toward a Common Goal
Employees are expected to be an asset to the organization, not a liability. They should contribute value to the company during their tenure. If employees can’t contribute to the company’s growth in terms of innovation and progress, their presence becomes futile. All employee rights and responsibilities are aligned with the company’s ultimate objective – financial success and market recognition. Failure to contribute to this mission may lead to termination.
Participating in Orientation and Meetings
Attending orientation sessions is a primary responsibility for employees. This phase introduces them to the company’s culture, sets expectations, facilitates interactions with colleagues, and familiarizes them with their job roles. Employees are crucial in maintaining a healthy work culture, one of their most essential rights and responsibilities. They should promote a workplace that respects everyone, from entry-level employees to executives, irrespective of gender. Adherence to company rules, policies, and regulations is a fundamental part of these responsibilities.
Working Safely
Employees must ensure a safe working environment. An employee’s productivity is greatly influenced by their surroundings and the environment they work in. If they encounter any malfunctioning equipment, whether it’s office appliances like ovens or coffee machines, laptops, issues related to harassment, office politics, or any other concerns, it is their responsibility to report these to the relevant department promptly. Additionally, if an employee notices a colleague in poor health or severely ill, they should inform the HR department to grant that individual the necessary leave. The health of one employee can impact others, and even seemingly minor issues can have severe consequences for those in contact.
No Criminal Activities
Employees are typically subject to background checks to ensure they have no criminal associations or engage in offensive activities. All their valid and verified documents are kept in the company’s records. Furthermore, if an employee, while working at the company, is found engaging in disruptive or criminal activities, such as leaking company information for financial gain or participating in threatening behaviour or criminal associations, the matter will be handed over to the legal authorities and will be dealt with according to the law for violating the company’s rules.
Obeying to Company Rules and Regulations
Safeguarding the company’s resources is a significant employee responsibility. The company entrusts its property to employees based on mutual trust. Employees can usually take company-owned items like mobile phones or laptops home. It is the employee’s responsibility to handle these resources properly. If any damage occurs due to employee negligence, they may be held accountable and asked to compensate for the loss.
Employees are endowed with specific rights within the workplace, ensuring that they can work with a sense of security and confidence. Nevertheless, it is essential to recognize that these rights come with corresponding responsibilities. Employees are expected to honour their commitments, which are explicitly designed to uphold workplace productivity and decorum. Failure to fulfil these responsibilities may result in severe consequences. Typically, a series of warnings precede direct intervention by senior managers, potentially leading to immediate termination. This kind of termination is generally invoked only after numerous warnings and serves to preserve a positive office culture for the well-being of all employees.
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