The other day, a friend confided in me that he is not a shrewd employer because he tends to be overly empathetic and sympathetic toward his employees. “When a subordinate calls me in the morning and says they are unwell and may not be able to come to the office, I simply say, ‘Not a problem,’ and let them take leave to consult a doctor,” he said. But the story doesn’t stop there – he follows up in the evening to check if they actually consulted the doctor. The result? He revealed that he has had to sell his third start-up as well, despite building reasonable market goodwill, due to what he described as his ‘disproportionate’ leniency.

I told him that while he may not fit the mould of a corporate ideal, he has proven his human quality. I would not call him a failed model just because he did not achieve the desired success in the so-called corporate world. This conversation made me reflect on workplace dynamics and human rights. Blue-collar workers frequently endure hazardous conditions without adequate protection, while white-collar jobs are often safer and more secure.

How many of us are truly humane and considerate regarding the rights of others, particularly in the workplace? From my experience, power dynamics in professional settings are far from equal. Lower-level employees often face micromanagement, lack of recognition, and limited growth opportunities, while executives enjoy flexibility, high wages, and significant perks. In many cases, minimum wage earners struggle to meet basic living standards, whereas top management thrives. The bias is not confined to gender; it also extends to race, caste, and socio-economic status. Workers in lower roles frequently endure long hours without adequate compensation, while their higher-ups enjoy more privileges.

This corporate hierarchy of inequality is mirrored in society as well. How many of us truly value the contribution of the maid who works tirelessly in our homes? The daily wage labourer who cleans up after us is often treated as disposable. If such individuals wear nice clothes or manage to enrol their children in better schools, they are frequently met with judgment and snubbing. Even in popular culture, particularly movies, such individuals are often stereotyped with certain names and antics, reducing them to caricatures that make them the subject of ridicule, further marginalising their dignity and efforts.

In many schools, students from marginalised communities often lack access to quality facilities compared to their privileged counterparts. Their opinions are frequently disregarded, reinforcing a hierarchical learning environment. If such students are admitted to an elitist residential school, the challenges can be multifaceted. While the opportunity might provide access to better resources and exposure, their real status often remains under scrutiny.

They may face subtle or overt discrimination, with peers and even staff viewing them through a lens of bias based on their background. Their cultural identity might be suppressed or misunderstood, creating a sense of alienation. Financial disparities could further highlight differences, as they might struggle to participate in extracurricular activities or social events that require additional expenditure.

Without a supportive and inclusive environment, such students might be left feeling out of place, with their confidence eroded rather than nurtured. True empowerment in such a setting would require deliberate efforts to create equity, foster sensitivity among all stakeholders, and ensure these students are not merely included but genuinely valued for their individuality and potential.

Marginalised groups face further challenges in legal systems, from the prohibitive cost of legal representation to biases in judgments. Meanwhile, wealthier individuals enjoy secure housing, while the poor face homelessness and exploitation in rental markets. The disparity extends to healthcare – can we honestly say the poor and deprived receive the same level of medical care as the elite?

While policies and frameworks for human rights exist, enforcement often favours those with power and resources. George Orwell’s statement, “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others,” is a biting critique of power structures that pretend to promote equality while serving the elite.

The inequities begin at home. In many households, women are denied decision-making rights and burdened with unpaid labour. Older family members are often neglected or subjected to emotional and financial exploitation.

To address these issues, we must promote awareness of human rights through campaigns and training. Stricter laws are needed to tackle wage gaps, workplace harassment, and discrimination. Human rights are a universal truth but are often manipulated to benefit those in power. We must strive to protect human rights from being reduced to folklore created by the high and mighty. Equality can only become a reality when equity is achieved, and the contributions of everyone, regardless of status, are valued.

It’s time for those in power to walk the talk and practice what they preach.