As we observe with increasing concern the rising tide of unemployment—for example: 18% in Spain, 40% in Bosnia and Herzegovina, close to 10% in the USA, and close to 95% in Zimbabwe (CIA factbook)—and think about ways forward, we may find it useful to keep in mind the following thoughts from a statement of the Bahai International Community which place this question in a broader context:
In all policies aimed at tackling unemployment and providing decent and secure work for all, the conception of work needs to transcend just the economic dimension and encompass also the human and social purpose that employment fulfills.
Work needs to be seen not only as a means to securing an individual and family’s basic needs, but also as a channel to developing one’s craft, refining one’s character, and contributing to the welfare and progress of society. Work, no matter how humble and simple, when performed with an attitude of service, is a means to contribute to the advancement of our communities, countries and global society.
Within this context, we can start to see the masses of unemployed not only as a ‘problem’ but as a ‘resource’ to be tapped into in order to achieve national priorities and fulfil the Millennium Development Goals.
We hope that this work paradigm can expand the vision of workers, the private sector, governments, and other agencies; and that this broad vision of work can encompass all policies which are adopted at national and international level to address the issue of full employment and decent work for all.
(Here for more documents from the BIC.) Are you or your workplace dealing with the economic recession in ways that maintain the decency of work and strive for the dignity of the human being? Do share.
