The Possible Causes Of Sick Building Syndrome Environmental Sciences Essay

The Possible Causes Of Sick Building Syndrome Environmental Sciences Essay The World Health Organization defines Sick Building Syndrome as a complex of sub-chronic symptoms that occur while occupants are in a building and generally decrease when they leave. The EPA defines it as phenomena used to describe situations in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. The discomforts faced by the occupants are usually of the dermis, the nervous system and the mucous membranes (Brinke et al., 1998). Typical symptoms may include itchy eyes, itchy and/or dry skin, irritation of the nose, throat, difficulty in breathing, headache, nausea, fatigue, chest tightening etc. (Apter et al, 1994). The problem may not necessarily be one related to the place of occupation, but studies that describe it refer almost specifically to occupation related disorders. Sick building syndrome is a by-product of building related illness which itself is an extension of indoor air quality. SBS is hard to diagnose as the symptoms that accompany it are not mutually exclusive to it, and may also be the manifestations of other illnesses. Previous studies and surveys conducted on office buildings in the U.S and Europe indicate that at least a 5th of the healthy individuals in the building experience symptoms related to SBS (Pickering et al.,1992) . Usually however, the symptoms disappear if the person leaves the building. 2. CAUSES OF SBS The following are the possible causes of sick building syndrome: 2.1. Ventilation (or lack thereof) In the mid 1900s the building ventilation standards were set at approximately 15 cubic feet per minute (cfm) of outside air for each building occupant, primarily to dilute and remove body odors (US EPA). As a result of the 1973 oil embargo, however, national energy conservation measures called for a reduction of the amount of outdoor air provided for ventilation to 5 cfm per occupant, which in most cases were found to be inadequate. Inadequate ventilation may also occur if heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems do not effectively distribute air to people in the building(US EPA). To maintain adequate indoor air quality, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recently revised its ventilation standard to provide a minimum of 15 cfm of outdoor air per person (20 cfm/person in office spaces). ( ASHRAE Standard 62-1989). 2.2. Contaminants Contaminants are of a varied nature and varied origin. They can be broadly categorized into two categories on the basis of their composition i.e. chemical and biological; and their origin i.e. indoor and outdoor. 2.2.1 Indoor chemical contaminants These originate inside the building. Examples could be chemicals/fumes from the paint, carpeting, wood products, upholstery, copying machines, computers, cleaning agents. Such chemicals are usually classified as Volatile Organic Carbons. Other chemical contaminants can be the CO2 exhaled in totality, the fumes/chemicals in cigarette smoke. Heating systems especially the old ones can give rise to combustion byproducts such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxides, aerosol particles, ozone etc. Various studies have been conducted on almost all of the above mentioned chemicals contaminants and their ill effects have been well documented. 2.2.2. Outdoor chemical contaminants As the name suggest, these originate outside the building. These also include VOCs, gases like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, oxides of sulfur, ozone, etc. However, the basic difference between this and indoor chemical contaminants is that outdoor contaminants arise due to vehicular use outside the building, which gradually pervades inside the building. 2.2.3. Biological contaminants Bacteria, molds, pollen, and viruses are types of biological contaminants. These contaminants may breed in stagnant water that has accumulated in ducts, humidifiers and drain pans, or where water has collected on ceiling tiles, carpeting, or insulation. Sometimes insects or bird droppings can be a source of biological contaminants. Physical symptoms related to biological contamination include cough, chest tightness, fever, chills, muscle aches, and allergic responses such as mucous membrane irritation and upper respiratory congestion. One indoor bacterium, Legionella, has caused both Legionnaires Disease and Pontiac Fever (Apter et al, 1994). 3. EPIDEMIOLOGY OF SICK BUILDING SYNDROME Several studies have been conducted on the Sick Building Syndrome, and the effects related to it. These studies had employed questionnaires which depended on self-reporting by the subjects, and indoor quality measurements. The first of such surveys/studies which focused primarily on building related sickness or complaints was done in the United Kingdom for humidifier fever by Anthony Pickering (Pickering et al, 1992). The same method was utilized by the subsequent researchers, with some modifications in the study design or questions. The studies were usually comparative, i.e. there was a test group in which the subjects worked/resided in not so well ventilated buildings, and the control group in which the subjects were in well ventilated buildings. Self reporting was usually a component of the study design (Redlich et at, 1997), and by its very nature the most likely to introduce bias in the study. Subjects usually reported nasal symptoms such as congestion, pruritis, rhinorrhea etc. , eye related symptoms such as tearing, dryness etc., and others such as tightness and congestion in the chest area, nausea etc. (Apter et al, 1994). When comparisons were made between the two groups, it was seen that the prevalence of all these symptoms was higher in the subjects that were in the test group. This would help to draw the conclusion that there was some factor in the building, possibly the ventilation or lack of it that contributed to these symptoms. Though building related factors are not the only variables in such studies, age, gender, environmental factors also account for a lot. A study conducted by Ooi et al. suggests that building related health complaints were reported more frequently by people who handled/dealt with visual display units. A majority of the researchers conducting these studies agree that these symptoms could also be manifestations of work related stress, which obviously plays a major part in todays work environment. Stress related disorders include headaches including migraines, peptic ulcers, high blood pressure, bronchial asthma etc. When these are considered in conjugation with building related health complaints, there is a very high degree of overlap. Indoor air quality measurements usually help to somewhat pinpoint the origin of these disorders, if not accurately predict them. Air quality measurements with respect to building related disorders prove that inadequate ventilation is usually a major cause of the disorders. Inadequate ventilation fails to dissipate the concentration of the chemical and biological contaminants, and may even lead the increase in their concentration over time. Sources of these contaminants will be discussed further. 3.1. Sources of the Contaminants A).VOCs: Volatile organic compounds are usually aerosols of hydrocarbons. They arise from various sources and are present in a variety of compounds present indoors. Such sources are paints, coatings, caulks, carpeting, Office products such as type-writer correction fluids, photo-duplication and laser printing toners and their thermal degradation products, and carbonless copy paper release. In addition, perfumes, emissions from dry-cleaned clothes, and other products associated with human beings may give of VOCs. Also certain microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi may emit VOCs (Brinke et al, 1998). B). BIOAEROSOLS: As the name suggests, these are released by biological sources such as micro-organisms and even humans. Plants also emit bioaerosols. Inadequate cleaning services and moisture control may lead to the proliferation of microorganisms. Furthermore, dust may collect in vents and in between carpeting (Apte et al., 2000). Workers may even carry them in through their clothes, and these are the major ways how organisms such as dust mites, cockroaches and even bed bugs are transported and subsequently propagated. These compounds usually give rise to respiratory illnesses and can increase the incidence of asthma, though their epidemiology is not much supported by previous studies. C). ENVIRONMENTAL TOBACCO SMOKE: In most U.S office buildings, smoking is prohibited. However, already present outside smoke may pervade in through doorways and windows through wind patterns. Usually tobacco smoke is not much of a problem in the United States; however, it is so in many other countries especially developing countries. Such a factor may increase passive smoking, and increase the incidence of asthma, and other respiratory diseases. D). OUTSIDE AIR POLLUTION: Vehicular exhaust, factory exhaust and other outdoor pollution factors can pervade indoors gradually. This is seen in buildings which are near busy roadways and city centers. The compounds in such are usually VOCs and aerosols which cause a huge variety of problems (Brinke et al, 1998). E). PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS: Work stress is a psychological factor that can exacerbate already existing health problems and/or make a person more susceptible to them. Furthermore, several studies have proved that gender and age play a big part in the prevalence of the disorders. Typically, women and older workers are more susceptible to sick building syndrome disorders (Brasche et al, 2001). 4. POSSIBLE REMEDIATION OF SICK BUILDING SYNDROME Sick building syndrome is different from building related illness in the sense that it is reversible, i.e. most people report alleviation in their symptoms if they leave the building. This improvement in their health is more or less fast, and it is this factor that makes SBS somewhat easy to manage. The following solutions can be used in combination or separately to remediate these symptoms. 4.1. Elimination of contaminants This method is the best remedy if the sources are known and it is economically feasible to remove them. A well maintained HVAC system can automatically help to eradicate some or most of these pollutants. The EPA suggests the following procedures to help in eliminating the contaminants: 1. Periodic cleaning or replacement of filters 2. Replacement of water-stained ceiling tile and carpeting 3. Institution of smoking restrictions 4. Venting contaminant source emissions to the outdoors 5. Storage and use of paints, adhesives, solvents, and pesticides in well ventilated areas, and use of these pollutant sources during periods of non-occupancy 6. Allowing time for building materials in new or remodeled areas to off-gas pollutants before occupancy. 4.2. Increasing ventilation rates Improving ventilation and the general air distribution greatly impacts the indoor air quality of a building. It is usually the most economically feasible options of counteracting SBS. HVAC should at the very least meet the minimum standards of local and/or national building codes. The ASHRAE suggests operating HVAC systems at their design optimum which is usually better and higher than the generic codes. The most optimum and the best option to operate HVAC systems is to the ASHRAE standard62-1989. If there is a large proportion of outdoor pollution pervading indoors, the exhaust systems have to operate to their most optimum capacity so as to continually eliminate such contaminants. Another plausible but far less economically plausible option could be to avoid such congested areas altogether, and build new buildings in comparatively more open spaces, however, this could lead to the reduction in a places green cover, and would be ultimately counter-intuitive to the purpose of elimination of air pollution. The EPA recommends local exhaust ventilation to remove pollutants that accumulate in specific areas such as rest rooms, copy rooms, and printing facilities. It also recommends that the HVAC systems must bring in adequate amounts of outdoor air to dilute and eventually remove indoor contaminants. 4.3. Air cleaning Air cleaning is usually a good remediation option if the SBS is too much, or the indoor air quality is too deteriorated. It is more of a cure than a prevention strategy. Like most mechanical cures, this option also comes with a lot of limitations. Particle control devices such as the typical furnace filter are inexpensive but do not effectively capture small particles whereas high performance air filters capture the smaller, respirable particles but are relatively expensive to install and operate. Mechanical filters do not remove gaseous pollutants. Some specific gaseous pollutants may be removed by adsorbent beds, but these devices can be expensive and require frequent replacement of the adsorbent material (Wargocki et al, 2000). 4.4. Proper Communication and Education These are one of the most important measures in remediation and prevention of SBS. The top management needs to keep in mind the health of its employees and should communicate measures to help them. All the levels of the management must work in tandem to maintain good or rather excellent indoor air quality. The EPA eloquently puts it as When building occupants, management, and maintenance personnel fully communicate and understand the causes and consequences of IAQ problems, they can work more effectively together to prevent problems from occurring, or to solve them if they do. 5. CONCLUSION Sick Building Syndrome is increasingly becoming an issue in the workplace and there are documented proofs that it results in reduction in productivity. However, thankfully, it is a reversible and easily remediable phenomenon, and if the employers and employees work together in eliminating it, it can truly be eradicated.

Comparing the Role of Social Class in The Necklace and Recitatif Essay

The Role of Social Class in The Necklace and Recitatif  Ã‚     Ã‚   Often in a piece of literature, a story will appear to be about one issue when, in actuality, the author intended it to be about another. In the short stories "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant and "Recitatif" by Toni Morrison, the issues of class separation and struggle, though they may appear at first glance to be unimportant, are in fact the central points around which these two stories revolve. In "The Necklace" and "Recitatif," class differences affect the ways in which the characters interact with one another. Nowhere in the story "Recitatif" is this more apparent than in the meeting between Roberta and Twyla's mothers at the orphanage. Twyla describes Roberta's mother as tall, prim, and proper. She adds, "on her chest was the biggest cross I'd ever seen..." (page 213). In direct contrast to this is the image of Twyla's mother, a woman who wears revealing pants and a ragged old jacket and curses in church. Roberta's mother clearly looks down upon Twyla's because she is of a lower class, as illustrated by her refusal to shake her hand. In "The Necklace," class differences between Mathilde and Mme. Forestier put an obvious restriction upon their relationship. By the end of the story, Mathilde becomes a member of the lower class - "the woman of impoverished households - strong and hard and rough..." (page 71). When the two ladies meet again in the last lines of the story, Mm e. Forestier is "astonished to be addressed by this plain goodwife" (page 72). In a parallel event from "Recitatif," Roberta looks down upon Twyla when they meet in a Howard Johnson's. She sees Twyla in her "blue-and-white triangle" uniform, "[her] hair shapeless in a net," and "[her] ankle... ... between the characters play the central role in the action of the story. These differences affect the ways in which these characters interact, they create the conflict in the story, and they affect the way the reader feels about and reacts to each of the characters. In making the issue of social class the focus of these two works, the authors successfully communicate to the readers their belief that, no matter how hard we might try to avoid it, class is indeed a major factor in today's society.    Works Cited de Maupassant, Guy. "The Necklace." Understanding Fiction . third ed. Eds. Cleanth Brooks and Robeert Penn Warren. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1979. 66-72. Morrison, Toni. "Recitatif." New Worlds of Literature: Writings from America's Many Cultures. second ed. Eds. Jerome Beaty and J. Paul Hunter. New York: Norton, 1994. 209-225.   

One-Party State: Texas vs. Oklahoma Essay

Texas: For over a 100 years Texas was a one-party state of Democrats (Munisteri). Republicans did not have a chance until Abraham Lincoln who was against slavery and defended the Union during the Civil War. During this time before Republicans took over Texas was free-willed and won majority of seats in the race and had all seats in Legislature. One of the best ways to describe this era was best stated by Author Steven, â€Å"developed a free spirit, a pride in self-reliance and a work ethic that is still unmatched today â€Å"Early Texans lived, loved and died entirely by their own efforts without relying on government to fulfill their needs. Just like modern Texans, early settlers believed in families, churches and neighbors, not in bureaucracy† (Munisteri). Oklahoma: Just like the Texans, Oklahoma was always a one-party state of Democrats. It was secured in the Democratic Party and Republican did not have a chance. Even in 1964 Republicans won their first election, the Demo crats still held 81% of seats (Gaddie). In the 1990’s Republican took over and still run the show. Which party dominated Texas politics (for most of Texas’s history after the 1876 Constitution), and what are the historical origins behind this dominance? Texas: Democrats dominated Texas politics from 1863 to 1980. Still Democrats remained powerful, they gradually drowned. The Cause of this power was Texas did not vote in 1864 and 1868 due to the Civil War and Reconstruction and from 1902 through 1965, Texas had basically stopped most blacks and many Latinos and poor whites through the poll tax and white primaries by not allowing them to register to vote. Oklahoma: Oklahoma was dominated by Democrats almost their entire existence. From 1907 up until the 1990’s the Democratic Party ran Oklahoma as a state. The reason for this is stated in the article written by Gaddie, â€Å"For decades the bedrock of Democratic Party strength has been the southeastern part of the state, â€Å"Little Dixie.† This region imported not just people, but also local culture, place names, architecture, and political tradition directly from a variety of southern states, especially Mississippi† (Gaddie). In addition the most prominent people to support the Democrat Part come from Little Dixie as well. What were some of the ramifications of one-party  rule? After researching and reading articles on Texas and Oklahoma one-party states, I came to the conclusion that the consequences would be harsh, or were harsh. It would make these states communist. Meaning government control all even the way citizens live and operate. They became robotic. What caused the rise of a two-party system in Texas? The division of ideas led to the creation of the two-party system. The main issue between the two parties was how they believed the Constitution should be read and interpreted. When George Washington was president he assigned to people to his cabinet. Hamilton and Jefferson both which seen differences in the constitution. One believe that so of the constitution was good the other believe that some of it was inappropriate. This cause a rift and a split into a two-party system (AP U.S. History Notes). Why do some people (including your professor) believe that Texas is once again a one-party state? Texas: For many and many that sit down and speak on Texas and its politics see that Republicans run everything to see how everything that the President promotes they reject and are successful. The cost of living, the assistance giving to the needy diminishing and the way the rich and wealthy are catered to make me and others feel t is a one-sided situation and bring us to Texas being a one-pa rty state. Texas and Oklahoma both have 2% Democrats and 98% Republicans, it is very plain to see that both are a one-party state (538 Politics). Cite: Aboukhadijeh, Feross. â€Å"Development of the Two-party System – AP U.S. History Topic Outlines – Study Notes.† Development of the Two-party System – AP U.S. History Topic Outlines – Study Notes. StudyNotes.org. Study Notes, Inc., 17 Nov. 2012. Web. 3 Oct. 2014. . Gaddie, Ronald. â€Å"DEMOCRATIC PARTY.† DEMOCRATIC PARTY. Oklahoma Historical Society. Web. 3 Oct. 2014. . Munisteri, Steve. â€Å"Overview and History – Republican Party of Texas.† Republican Party of Texas RSS. Web. 3 Oct. 2014. . Silver, Nate. â€Å"FiveThirtyEight Senate Forecast: GOP Is Slight Favorite in Race for Senate Control.† FiveThirtyEight. 23 Mar. 2014. Web. 3 Oct. 2014. .

Free Essays on The Never Ending Night

In the autobiographical novel Night by Elie Wiesel, the young teenager Elie underwent the transformation from a boy who had faith and honored his God to a man who no longer believed in that God. Elie was a Jewish boy who lived in a small Hungarian town called Sighet, during World War II. When Elie was fifteen, Germans invaded Hungary and sent all his friends and family to concentration camps. During this devastating time in his life, Elie saw a great deal of inhuman deeds done to the Jews by the Germans and he started to lose faith in God. By the time he was finally liberated, he was starved, lost most of his family, and lost all faith in the Jewish God. There are many examples in the beginning of Night where people are trying to keep and strengthen their faith but there are many more examples of people rebelling against God and forgetting their religion. The first example of Elie loosing his faith is when he arrived at Auschwitz. Elie and his father are directed to go to the left. A prisoner then informs them that they are on their way to the crematory. Elie’s father recites the Kaddish or prayer for the dead. Revolt rises up inside of Elie and he questions God. â€Å"Why should I bless His name? The Eternal, lord of the Universe, the All-Powerful and Terrible, was silent. What had I to thank Him for?† (Wiesel 31). Another example of prisoners in the concentration camp loosing their faith in Night is when the pipel, a young child, was hung in front of the whole camp. The pipel was the Oberkapo’s servant. The Oberkapo was the leader of the fifty-second unit. He never struck or insulted the prisoners who worked under him ,that is why the prisoners loved him . Even though most pipels were cruel and hated, this one had the face of a sad angel and was loved by all. The Oberkapo was suspected in the intentional explosion of Buna’s electric power station. He was transferred to Auschwitz but the pipel was left behind. The pipel refus... Free Essays on The Never Ending Night Free Essays on The Never Ending Night In the autobiographical novel Night by Elie Wiesel, the young teenager Elie underwent the transformation from a boy who had faith and honored his God to a man who no longer believed in that God. Elie was a Jewish boy who lived in a small Hungarian town called Sighet, during World War II. When Elie was fifteen, Germans invaded Hungary and sent all his friends and family to concentration camps. During this devastating time in his life, Elie saw a great deal of inhuman deeds done to the Jews by the Germans and he started to lose faith in God. By the time he was finally liberated, he was starved, lost most of his family, and lost all faith in the Jewish God. There are many examples in the beginning of Night where people are trying to keep and strengthen their faith but there are many more examples of people rebelling against God and forgetting their religion. The first example of Elie loosing his faith is when he arrived at Auschwitz. Elie and his father are directed to go to the left. A prisoner then informs them that they are on their way to the crematory. Elie’s father recites the Kaddish or prayer for the dead. Revolt rises up inside of Elie and he questions God. â€Å"Why should I bless His name? The Eternal, lord of the Universe, the All-Powerful and Terrible, was silent. What had I to thank Him for?† (Wiesel 31). Another example of prisoners in the concentration camp loosing their faith in Night is when the pipel, a young child, was hung in front of the whole camp. The pipel was the Oberkapo’s servant. The Oberkapo was the leader of the fifty-second unit. He never struck or insulted the prisoners who worked under him ,that is why the prisoners loved him . Even though most pipels were cruel and hated, this one had the face of a sad angel and was loved by all. The Oberkapo was suspected in the intentional explosion of Buna’s electric power station. He was transferred to Auschwitz but the pipel was left behind. The pipel refus...

Movie Theater Persuasive Essay Essays

Movie Theater Persuasive Essay Essays Movie Theater Persuasive Essay Paper Movie Theater Persuasive Essay Paper Essay Topic: Persuasive Have you ever been to Harking Arcadia 8 lately? Well they are closing their doors. All of the kids around town Including myself are disappointed and want to keep the theater open. Kids love going to the theater after school and on the weekends. Not all kids can see new movies because It Is out of their way/area. It Is the cheapest theater we know. Kids always go to the theater after school and on the weekends. Imagine It Is after school, you have no homework, what are you supposed to do sit around and be bored? Kids love watching movies, especially new ones. Not every kid has a DVD player to watch DVDs. If they were to close the theater kids couldnt see movies unless they go out of their way. Some parents dont have a car to drive their kids to a different theater and Harking Arcadia 8 is in walking distance for a lot of people, if the only other theater is out of their way how do they get there? I know a lot of parents who dont want to take their kids to a movie theater far from their homes. Plus, not all parents want to go to the movie theater. Most kids I know can go to that theater buy a ticket and snacks on their allowance! Parents dont want to spend a lot of money on expensive theaters either. Since it is cheaper kids can see movies more often. I know that some people think The movies are Just like T. V. Why cant kids just stay home and watch T. V. For free? Well everybody likes to get out of the house kids dont like to be cramped up in the house all the time watching T. V. Again, all of the kids in town really want to keep the theater open. Kids can go their after school and on the weekends. They cant see movies if the theater is to far out of their way/area. Its the cheapest theater we know.

Theory of Ritualism by Robert Merton

Theory of Ritualism by Robert Merton Ritualism is a concept developed by American sociologist Robert K. Merton as a part of his structural strain theory. It refers to the common practice of going through the motions of daily life even though one does not accept the goals or values that align with those practices. Ritualism as a Response to Structural Strain Merton, an important figure in early American sociology, created what is considered to be one of the most important theories of deviance within the discipline. Mertons structural strain theory states that people experience tension when a society does not provide adequate and approved means for achieving culturally valued goals. In Mertons view, people either accept these conditions and go along with them, or they challenge them in some way, which means they think or act in ways that appear deviant from cultural norms. Structural strain theory accounts for five responses to such strain, of which ritualism is one. Other responses include conformity, which involves continual acceptance of the goals of the society and continued participation in the approved means through which one is supposed to achieve them. Innovation involves accepting the goals but rejecting the means and creating new means. Retreatism refers to rejection of both the goals and the means, and rebellion occurs when individuals reject both and then create new goals and means to pursue. According to Mertons theory, ritualism occurs when a person rejects the normative goals of their society but nonetheless continues to participate in the means of attaining them. This response involves deviance in the form of rejecting the normative goals of society but is not deviant in practice because the person continues to act in a way that is in line with pursuing those goals. One common example of ritualism is when people do not embrace the goal of getting ahead in society by doing well in ones career and earning as much money as possible. Many have often thought of this as the American Dream, as did Merton when he created his theory of structural strain. In contemporary American society, many have become aware that stark economic inequality is the norm, that most people do not actually experience social mobility in their lives, and that most money is made and controlled by a very tiny minority of wealthy individuals. Those who see and understand this economic aspect of reality, and those who simply do not value economic success but frame success in other ways, will reject the goal of climbing the economic ladder. Yet, most will still engage in the behaviors that are meant to achieve this goal. Most will spend most of their time at work, away from their families and friends, and may even still attempt to gain status and increased salary within their professions, despite the fact that they reject the end goal. They go through the motions of what is expected perhaps because they know that it is normal and expected, because they do not know what else to do with themselves, or because they have no hope or expectation of change within society. Ultimately, though ritualism stems from discontent with the values and goals of society, it works to maintain the status quo by keeping normal, everyday practices and behaviors in place. If you think about it for a moment, there are probably at least a few ways in which you engage in ritualism in your life. Other Forms of Ritualism The form of ritualism that Merton described in his structural strain theory describes behavior among individuals, but sociologists have identified other forms of ritualism too. For example, sociologists also recognize political ritualism, which occurs when people participate in a political system by voting despite the fact that they believe that the system is broken and cannot actually achieve its goals. Ritualism is common within bureaucracies, wherein rigid rules and practices are observed by members of the organization, even though doing so is often counter to their goals. Sociologists call this bureaucratic ritualism.

Merit Pay Increase Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Merit Pay Increase - Essay Example Likewise, for many decades in American society, if an individual worked hard and did their best they received pay increases or bonuses, accordingly. The concept, though basic in its nature, is vital, due to its profound impact on future performance. Individuals, who receive praise for past actions are more inclined to repeat and possibly increase the action. Due to recent economic turmoil, however, many companies have stopped giving rewards or pay increases for superior performance. This leaves many employees feeling unappreciated, and as a result unmotivated to do better in the future. One particular case study, given, that exemplifies this predicament is the company of Diverse Prints. They are a marketing company that typically gives large bonuses to their employees based on their job performance appraisals. However, due to the faltering economy the lead people in charge, Ann and Sam, are debating as to whether they should give small bonuses to everyone, or continue with the perfor mance based bonuses, though they will be much smaller than usual. After taking a look at the profound impact job performance recognition has on the employee, the company, and eventually the economy, the question of whether or not merit pay increases should be given will become clear. Though some may argue a person should do their job to the best of their ability regardless of extrinsic recognition or praise, it is simply human nature to crave this type of recognition. Diverse Prints typically conducts job performance appraisals, which is the optimal time for managers to review the strengths and weakness of each employee. It also provides the opportunity for the employee to receive constructive criticism on how to improve areas of weakness, and praise for the areas of their job that are done well. As both Sam and Ann agree the performance appraisals must still be conducted for continued company growth and improvement. However, where they disagree is the fact that Sam feels they shoul d take the meager, two percent budget allotted to pay increases and spread it out evenly to all employees to compensate for cost of living increases. Ann, on the other hand, feels that it is, in a way, unfair to give all the employees equal raises, if their performances are not equal. Plus, she wants to keep the top producing workers happy so that when the economy is doing well they will choose to stay with the company. It seems that by giving a small raise to everyone, all will be evenly unsatisfied. It is important to give honor or praise to where it is due, and if a successful, hardworking employee sees that they are given the same bonus as the person that was lazy all year they will not be motivated to try harder in the future. Ann is right in her assessment that it would be best to explain to all the employees that the bonuses will not be as large as previous years, due to financial hard times, but that they will still be given according to job performance. This allows the indi vidual employee to still feel a sense of accomplishment and recognition from the company for a job well done, and will encourage them to do the same if not more in the future. It also may help motivate those who slacked the year before to do better in the future. A good analogy of this concept can be seen in High School. If everyone was given a diploma for simply showing up, and not based on whether they passed or failed their courses, no student would have the motivation to try harder. In the same way by rewarding those who are successful, they are encouraged to do the same or more, and those who slacked have something to work towards. The second aspect that merit based bonus aide in, is the company