On workplace issues lets hear voices beyond CXOs

Indian media has a curious habit—it loves putting CEOs and CXOs on a pedestal when talking about workplace issues. These leaders are often seen as the all-knowing sages of corporate wisdom. But what about the middle managers juggling a dozen tasks, the shop floor workers who keep the wheels turning, or the freshers navigating their first jobs?

The Case for Diverse Workplace Narratives

Let’s start with some numbers. A 2024 Gallup report revealed that a staggering 86% of Indian employees are “struggling” or “suffering” at work, while only 14% feel they are “thriving”—a figure well below the global average of 34%. These stats scream for attention, yet most workplace stories focus on boardroom strategies rather than breakroom struggles. Imagine the untapped potential of telling stories that resonate with the majority of India’s workforce instead of just its elite minority.

Take, for example, middle managers—the unsung heroes who act as shock absorbers between demanding bosses and stressed teams. Their challenges, like managing burnout or navigating conflicting expectations, rarely make headlines. Or consider entry-level employees, who often face toxic work cultures and unrealistic expectations in their first jobs. Highlighting these stories could spark meaningful conversations about workplace reform.

Why Include Unheard Voices?

1. Builds Trust and Credibility: When media outlets focus solely on the perspectives of CEOs and CXOs, they risk appearing out of touch with the realities faced by the majority of the workforce. By including the voices of middle managers, fresh hires, and shop floor workers, media can build trust and credibility with a wider audience. These are the people who experience the daily grind, the challenges, and the triumphs of the workplace firsthand. Their stories are authentic and relatable, fostering a stronger connection with the audience.
2. Opens New Avenues for Storytelling: The experiences of middle managers, fresh hires, and shop floor workers offer a rich tapestry of untold stories. These narratives can shed light on critical issues such as work-life balance, career progression, workplace culture, and the impact of technology on jobs. By venturing beyond the boardroom, media can uncover unique and compelling stories that resonate with a broader audience and offer a more nuanced understanding of the workplace.
3. Drives Accountability and Change: When media platforms amplify the voices of those who are directly impacted by workplace policies and practices, they can hold organizations accountable for their actions. By sharing stories of discrimination, unsafe working conditions, or unfair labor practices, media can create public pressure for change. This can lead to improved workplace conditions, better employee待遇, and a more equitable work environment for all.
4. Reflects the True Diversity of the Workforce: India’s workforce is incredibly diverse, encompassing people of different ages, genders, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. By including the voices of middle managers, fresh hires, and shop floor workers, media can better reflect this diversity and provide a platform for marginalized groups to share their experiences. This can help to break down stereotypes, promote inclusivity, and foster a greater understanding of the challenges faced by different segments of the workforce.
5. Attracts New Audiences and Increases Engagement: By expanding their coverage to include the voices of middle managers, fresh hires, and shop floor workers, media outlets can attract new audiences who feel seen and heard. This can lead to increased readership, viewership, and engagement with the content. When people feel that their stories matter and that their voices are being heard, they are more likely to connect with the media platform and become loyal consumers of its content.

Some ideas

1. “The Middle Manager Maze”: A series focusing on the unique challenges and triumphs of middle managers in navigating their careers, managing teams, and bridging the gap between middle managers and frontline employees.
2. “First Day Jitters”: A series documenting the experiences of fresh campus hires as they enter the workforce, exploring their aspirations, anxieties, and the realities of their first jobs.
3. “Shop Floor Chronicles”: A series highlighting the lives and work of shop floor workers in various industries, showcasing their skills, contributions, and the challenges they face in their daily work.
4. “Voices of the Unheard”: A series featuring interviews with employees from marginalized communities, sharing their experiences of discrimination, bias, and the fight for equality in the workplace.
5. “The Future of Work”: A series exploring the impact of technology, automation, and globalization on the Indian workforce, featuring perspectives from employees at all levels on how these changes are affecting their jobs and their future prospects.