Vision of 24-hour economy

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• Kwaw Esiako 1 year ago

  MISCONCEPTIONS OF THE 24-HOUR ECONOMY
  Many of those who have been contributing to the 24 hour economy conversation are either disingenuous or ignorant. One common flaw in the positions espoused by the advocates is the confu ...
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  MISCONCEPTIONS OF THE 24-HOUR ECONOMY
  Many of those who have been contributing to the 24 hour economy conversation are either disingenuous or ignorant. One common flaw in the positions espoused by the advocates is the confusing of production with productivity. For example, running three shifts at Passport office or DVLA will not necessarily be beneficial to the economy. The delays experienced at these two particular institutions are due more to corruption, incompetence and poor work culture. I can say without hesitation that the extra costs of running additional shifts will far exceed the extra the revenues that will be generated by the service providers. The cost will not be limited to the salaries of the personnel that will be employed. With the salaries come several other related social costs of employment, including welfare, security, theft and misuse of organizational resources, etc.
  If the straight 8-hour day workers perform their duties diligently, honestly and competently, there will be no need for extra shifts at these institutions. I would rather say that these organisations are currently over-staffed. I have always marveled why some public institutions can have the filing of their financial statements fall into three or more years arrears when their offices are littered with desktop and laptop computers. What is amore appalling is that the CEOs and Financial Controllers or Directors of these institutions remain at post and enjoy outrageous perks.
  I recall that about 10 years ago when I worked for a public institution, a team of 8 managers were to undertake an important out-of-office assignment. It was estimated that the assignment would take 3 to 4 days. I offered a simple Microsoft Excel solution to handling the assignment. The job was done in 3 hours.
  For companies engaged in physical production of goods, the need for extra shifts will be spontaneous, provided there is demand for their output. In the 1970s I worked at a Factory which operated 24/7. Currently in Tema, for instance, quite a number of companies operate 24/7. So this in not new. The confusion must STOP. Extra shifts do not create ‘real jobs’; increased and sustainable demand for goods and services will create REAL JOBS and EXTRA SHIFTS.

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