WHILE we argue that the nature of the state’s institutions and organisations and their deformation have prevented the country from embarking on a path of economic and political progress, it will not be wrong to say that it has also halted the creativity of our people.

Job rotation, a key to maintaining a positive work environment, is considered an effective tool in modern and developed countries.

It not only helps in reducing insecurities and professional jealousy, but also creates a bonding among co-workers when they interact at different positions.

During years of experience and interaction with co-workers at different levels across urban Pakistan where the proportion of educated population is considerably high, it has been observed that people who stay at the same position at the same job/role for more than six years enter into a comfort zone.

When I say comfort zone, the first thing that strikes the mind is entering the parameters of a degenerative culture. Also, there is this ‘know all’ attitude for even the newcomers whose ideas are not appreciated and rather treated with disgust.

On the contrary, the comfort zone steals their creativity and develops a cocoon around them from which it is very hard to get out. Minds full of creativity, ambition and passion are rather tamed to be more cynical and critical of their own abilities.

Such cynicism not only puts down the morale and ambition, but also affects the personality of an individual. To avoid this cynicism from creeping in and to secure creative minds, there is a dire need for eliminating the concept of comfort zone at work. It will not only bring to light multi-dimensional ideas, but also bring stability in our people’s attitude. Working anywhere should not only serve as a source of earning, but it should also be a stepping stone towards professional learning.

Asma Baqir
Lahore

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2021