First, I would like to thank this thought-provoking quote for inspiring me to start writing again.
Employee benefits include professional development opportunities and a positive work environment — A gem from LinkedIn’s ‘About the job’
The thought being “since when did ‘not being awful’ become a selling point?”
But then it struck me —perhaps those who seek credit for the baseline of decency deserve a little acknowledgement. After all, if their egos are not stroked, what worst instincts would they be indulging?
That’s why I decided to compose the following ‘honor roll’. Not exactly medals of honor, but participation trophies for those who managed to not wreak absolute havoc.
1. No medal for…employers maintaining a non-toxic work environment.
Appreciate you not recreating the Hunger Games at work, but that’s called complying with HR guidelines, not creating workers’ paradise.
2. No medal for…not cheating on your partner.
Kudos for not breaking hearts on the side, but fidelity isn’t an extracurricular activity; it’s the main event.
3. No medal for…drivers not driving drunk.
Newsflash! Safe driving isn’t an achievement; it’s the law.
4. No medal for…politicians not being corrupt
Being honest isn’t the exception; it’s the rule.
5. No medal for…CEOs not exploiting their workers.
If you’re paying a living wage and not overworking your employees, congratulations! But that’s not charity, it’s a legal obligation.
6. No medal for…financial experts not running a Ponzi scheme.
You resisted the urge to run a fraudulent investment operation? Gold star for you! Just kidding. Honesty isn’t a virtue; it’s your job.
7. No medal for…drug companies not creating a drug epidemic.
Your job is to cure, not cause.
8. No medal for… world leaders not causing a nuclear apocalypse.
As much as we appreciate the lack of nuclear winter, it’s not an achievement. It’s Tuesday.
9. No medal for…intelligence agencies not spying on citizens.
The mission is to protect, not to peep. Privacy isn’t a privilege; it’s a basic right.
10. No medal for…tech companies not selling your data.
In case you need a reminder, respecting user’s privacy and personal information isn’t a favor, it’s a fundamental feature of your job.
So, there you have it. While we appreciate their efforts, let’s hold off on erecting statues in their honor. After all, real heroes are those who go beyond the ordinary, not those who simply manage to skirt the deplorable.