There are millions and millions of workers that make our companies operate like lean mean machines. Most, if not all of these workers, are rarely highlighted or given recognition. They punch in their assistance cards day in and day out, do their work and leave. Nobody notices them, say Hello, congratulates them on their birthdays or tell them how valuable they are to the company. I would say that management think these workers are taken for granted.
These common workers are our janitors, garbage collectors, drivers, watchmen, general repairmen and so forth. In a sense, they are our modern day robots.
During my recent visit to the University of Panama, I took a picture of two of these common workers. One was a young woman sweeping the entrance of the School of Pharmacy, and other one was a gardener watering the plants. Let’s take a look at these valuable workers that we often take for granted. Here we go.
Photograph of Carlos, the gardener, watering the lawn and flowers early in the morning at the University of Panama. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
Photograph of Carmen, the cleaning lady, sweeping the leaves at the main entrance of the School of Pharmacy at the University of Panama. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
This post is to pay my respects to the millions of humble workers who are responsible of keeping our companies operating. I tip my hat to you workers of the world. Good Day.
Very well put, Omar.
A few years ago a friend and I operated a construction company out of a warehouse storage facility. You had to walk a ways to get to the rest rooms that were, in spite of the use they got and from all sorts of people, usually spotlessly clean.
One day while making a visit to the john, the man who kept them clean, a Haitian refugee, was just finishing his job. He had his young son with him and it seemed to me as though the boy was embarrassed at being connected to his father’s occupation. I made it a point to stop and thank the man for keeping things clean for us and tell him that at least one person around there appreciated his hard work. Of course he was quite surprised that someone actually took the time to thank him, and I hope it did something to ease his son’s attitude and opinion of what his father did to insure he would have something to eat that night.
Also, just as I complain to a store’s management about rude and inattentive staff, if I receive exceptional assistance from someone I will often ask them to take me to their manager and then tell the manager that so-and-so is a valuable asset to their operation and should be recognized as such.
It only takes a moment out of your day to do something like that, and I’m sure it makes that person’s day special.
Hello Richard:
I echo with your words. Two days ago, I went to the office of the Manager of Banco General at El Dorado and told her how good her branch was. I was very satisfied with the warm assistance I got every time I visited this branch.
You could see the glow on the manager’s face when I finished my little speech about quality.
A pat on the back always helps to build good attitude. Oh, one more thing…and the clock is ticking. You know what I mean.
Take Care,
Omar.-
Twenty one days and a wake up, Omar.
This is a great post, Omar. Years ago I made a conscious decision that I would be just as vocal for good service as for bad service. And amazingly, the service improved. I have learned to ask for help rather than demand service and the result is almost always satisfying.
I have even written letters of appreciation to the local postmaster for the cheerful attitude of our mailman (actually she is a mail lady), and taken time to fill out those comment cards at businesses.
And now, I wish to thank you personally for providing this blog and the wonderful photos. It keeps us connected with Nena’s homeland and reminds me to thank Panama for providing me with my beautiful bride.
jim and nena
fort worth, tx
Hi Jim and Nena:
Wow! What a wonderful comment. You are doing the right thing. We have so many things to be thankful for.
I’m glad to keep Nena connected to her homeland.
Best Regards,
Omar.-