BUSINESS HARMONY

Chronicle (Levin), 20 March 1946, Page 4

BUSINESS HARMONY

RE-ABSORPTION OF MEN APPEAL BY ROTARIAN NAPIER, March 20. " • A plea for better understanding between employers and employees, particularly in view of the vital subject of the re-absorption into industry of returned servicemen, wasj voiced at a recent session of theconference of Rotary Clubs of the 53rd District at Napier by Rprarian Eric T. Beaven, of Christchurch. Commenting that thousands of men had returned to the country in the past year to be absorbed into the business life of the community, i Rotarian Beaven said that the question should be treated as a vital one in view of the thousands yet to take up work again. He thought that Rotarians would agree that those who had returned from the war were more critical and generally they demanded to know the reasons why. "I think the training and experience of servicemen overseas taught them to give of their belft when they were completely put into the picture so far 1 as their operations were concerned and I suggest that opportunities will be created to do this in their civilian life by the wise employer," he added. "General Montgomerv, before El-Alamein, was probably the ' first army commander to try the interesting experiment of informing the whole army of his plans, and it worked extraordinarily well. CHANGE FOR BETTER "It is clear from the industrial trouble which every country is experiencing that if we are to retain our democracy, as we-know it and desire it, an essential change ior the better must take piace between those on the one ha'nd who have the responsibility of employment and on the other hand with those who have the responsibility of service. Both must have real satisfaction in their work- How many of us have men and women working with us and -not just for us?" Amplifyipg the personal eiement, Rotarian Beaven asked how many walked through their places of business with a smile, and hnw many merely rushed through without the kindly glanee or friendly word so greatly appreciated. jHe recalled one businessman who per-

? j sonally congratulated and even ! made small presentations when jsuch major events as engagements, I marriages and arrival of children took place amongst the members of his staff. SIX MAIN POII^TS As a final thought he left six suggestions as the basis for happier relationship between the two: — (1) A welfare committee; (2) a graup incentive bonus system; (3) the payment of an annual bonus; (4) sick fund societies; (5) superannuation over and above social security; (6) a personal officer for large establishments and for small and medinm set-ups. "The grqatest incentive in this cnimtry is example," he concluded. "Caurage and exainple will lead troops, but instructions, however well written, cold and often meaningless. Can not we, as Rotarians, assist in this vital and absolutely essential task of imprqving the relationship between employer and employee?"