There has been an air of festivity and jubilation among government employees following the order of King Abdullah. The citizens, who are mainly the beneficiaries of the decree, have expressed their joy and delight through congratulating each other and exchanging SMSs in addition to holding parties and dinners.
However, other citizens are not in a position to take part in the celebrations as their companies have been keeping mum with regard to announcing the salary bonus. Speaking to Al-Riyadh newspaper, a number of citizens have expressed their disappointment and worry over the negative approach of these companies.
Hashim Al-Baloushi, a Saudi employee at a private company, compared the king’s decree to a bandage in view of its healing impact on employees who are struggling to meet both ends due to higher cost of living and inflation caused by an exorbitant rise in prices of essential goods and house rents.
“I congratulate all men and women employees in the government and private sectors who are beneficiaries of the bonus. However, there are some private companies and establishments, which have apparently lost the spirit of compassion — both national and humanitarian — and have resorted to maintaining silence on the matter,” he said adding that the king’s decree kindled the hope of some of the private employees that this would prompt their employers to disburse at least their salary dues if not a two-month salary bonus.
Tareq Al-Asmari, employee at a private company, said that the apathy on the part of some private companies with regard to announcement of salary bonus has produced an adverse psychological impact on the employees.
“These employees are even thinking about leaving their present jobs, seeking better career prospects,” he said.
Abdullah Al-Khaledi, another employee, noted that owners of some private companies and firms have even denied their employees their legitimate rights, like health insurance, in violation of the provisions of the employment contract. Abdullah cited his experience as an example.
“There is a provision for full health insurance coverage for me and my family in the employment contract signed with the company eight months ago. But the company has so far not given us any health insurance coverage,” he said.
Khaled Al-Shamri, a Saudi working at a private establishment, is of the view that the productivity and performance of any company depends on the approach of the management toward its employees.
“Any incentives given by the management would produce an electrifying impact on the employees. This would encourage employees to work sincerely and devotedly, and they would never think of leaving the company seeking better career prospects,” he said while highlighting that management should be instrumental in achieving development of employees psychologically, socially and educationally.
On his part, Abdul Aziz Al-Oyaf, a businessman, said that he sees no excuse on the part of some private companies and establishments for not paying two-month salary bonus to Saudi employees following the royal decree.
