The basic objective of labour welfare is to enable workers to live a richer and more satisfactory life5. Labour welfare is in the interest of the labour, the employer, and society as a whole. The main benefits of the employee welfare services have been discussed hereunder.
A) Benefits to the Workers
The usefulness of welfare need not be overemphasised. For instance, the provision of welfare measures such as good housing, canteens medical facilities, etc., makes the workers realize that they have some stake in the undertaking in which they are employed, and so they think thrice before taking any reckless action, which might prejudice the interest of the undertaking. Secondly, welfare measures such as subsidized food in canteens, free medical and educational facilities, etc, indirectly increase the real income of workers. If the workers go on strike, they will be deprived of all these facilities. Thirdly, welfare activities improve the psychological health of workers by reducing the incidence of the vices of industrialization. Away from the native village and thrust into a strange and unfavorable environment, the workers fall prey to drinking, gambling, and other vices. A congenital environment as a result of welfare measures will act as a deterrent against such social vices. Further welfare activities influence the sentiments of workers. When workers feel that the employers and the state are interested in their happiness, their tendency to grouse and grumble will steadily disappear. The development of such a feeling paves the way for industrial peace.
B) Benefits to employers:
The provision of welfare facilities is not only beneficial to workers but also to employers in several ways. For instance, the provision of welfare facilities helps in increasing the employee productivity by improving their physical and psychological health. Besides this, it helps to improve the goodwill and public image of the enterprise. It also helps in improving good industrial relations and industrial peace. Further, employees take active interest in their jobs and work with a feeling of involvement and commitment. Consequently, employers secure the benefits of high efficiency, cordial industrial relations, low absenteeism, and low turnover2. Above all, employers do not have the threat of government intervention.
C) Benefits to the Society
Labour / Employee welfare is also in the interest of the larger society because the health, efficiency, and happiness of each individual represent the general well-being of all. Well-housed, well-fed, and well-looked-after labour is not only an asset to the employer but also serves to raise the standards of the industry.
For citing this article use:
- Prasad, J. D. (2011). A study on welfare and social security measures in Singareni Collieries Company Limited With reference to Kothagudem Mines Khammam District Andhra Pradesh.
References:
- Tripathi, P.C. “Personnel Management & Industrial Relations, Sultan Chand & Sons, Educational publishers, New Delhi, 1998, pp.325-328.
- Monal Arora, “Industrial Relations”, Excel Books, New Delhi, 2007, pp. 151- 156.
