U.S and india work conditions comparison

A country’s attitudes and financial status will influence its working conditions. Employees and results are valued more highly in American culture, which places a greater focus on individual efficiency. However, in India, the focus is more on the credentials of the people, with workers continuously working hard to show their merit and retain their status in the workplace. This study paper compares and contrasts working environments in India and America. The research would specifically assess working hours, work-life balance, working conditions, salary, and physical factors. Work-life balance is critical for the employees or companies that want to derive maximum value from their employees. Most employees in America understand the importance of work-life balance, and they hence ensure that work does not interfere with personal goals (Fisk 3). The management respects it when an employee asks for some time off to attend to some private duties as long as they have performed in their work. On the contrary, the concept of work-life balance does not seem to exist in India and work appears to always override personal preferences (Dougherty 296). It is unimaginable to ask for time off so that one could attend to their families. The Indian workers only go off when there are essential festive being celebrated around the country.

There is indeed more flexibility for the workers in America as compared to those in South India. What matters in America is the ability to do one’s job within the stipulated time. In fact, the hours that an employee gets in and out of the house do not matter much as long as they deliver (Fisk 4). Americans hence find it easy to juggle several things in their lives because they do not have to overstay in the office proving that they are capable. In India however, the workers have to be in their office within the working space strictly, or they risk being marked as absentees which could hurt them. It hence does not matter if one finishes their task early, but they always have to be physically present. It is therefore hard for Indians to have two full-time jobs because the employers would not be considerate on that.

The working hours in America and South India differ regarding days and the actual time. Americans report to work between 8.00 am- 4.30 pm at eight from Monday to Friday. If a worker has to work overtime in America, then the company has to compensate him adequately. It is, however, natural for the Indian employees to work overtime and receive no pay (Dougherty 297). Indians begin work at 10 am to 6 pm from Monday to Saturday and only stop when the boss demands that they do. Employees hence have no liberty to set their timetable as it is well indicated on their contract. Indians also work on weekends for the same hours and in the worst case on public holidays on the company’s demand.

The responsibilities within the work sphere do not matter in America. Although every employee has designed tasks that they are employed for, it is only natural that they combine other aspects of the job (Fisk 3). It is hence common to find junior workers doing managerial work and helping the company make essential decisions. In India however, everyone has clear-cut responsibilities, and they do not intermingle. A junior employee hence cannot make managerial decisions, and they have to stick to their work descriptions.

Although decency and respect for the seniors are paramount in the workplace, Americans do not put a significant emphasis on it. It is hence natural to find that the junior employees address their managers by their names and not titles. The junior staffs also freely mingle with the seniors. In fact, it is common to find that the workers share a working space regardless of their position and openly share ideas and opinions with one another (Fisk 4). It is hence not uncommon to see an intern having a conversation with the CEO. The case is however different in India. The junior employees do not freely mingle with the senior staff. The managers expect lots of respect from the subordinate staff and even demand that they refer to them by their titles and names. The management evokes fear among the juniors which also makes them wary of making any mistake less they get fired in the process.

Conclusively, working in America seems to be advantageous as opposed to South India. Although critics may argue that working in America in the fast-paced environment is emotionally and physically draining, it is flexible. India however tends to be rigid and the junior employees work under intimidation. The salaries in America are also evidently better than for the Indian companies. America is a developed country which translates to better salaries unlike in India where the majority are poor. Every employee in America is regarded with respect and part of the decision making process unlike in India where the management exerts so much power and intimidation over the juniors.

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Works Cited

Dougherty, Sean M. “Labour regulation and employment dynamics at the state level in India.” Review of Market Integration 1.3 (2009): 295-337.

Fisk, Donald M. ”American labor in the 20th century.” Compensation and working conditions 6 (2001): 3-8.