Channel 4’s Humans highlights the value of feeling valued at work

Felicity Evans • July 1, 2015

Image: from Äkta människor (Real humans), Sveriges Television AB

Channel 4’s smash-hit new drama, Humans, tells of a time in the not-too-distant future when various jobs are done by ‘synths’: robots who look so uncannily like people it’s hard to tell the difference. As well as offering an exciting plot, interesting characters and more than one moral conundrum to grapple with, Humans also explores what it means to work, and to be valued for the work we carry out

Almost everyone has had at least one ‘synth’ moment, those times when you feel that no-one cares about the things you’re achieving, or that what you’re doing won’t really make a difference – no matter how much effort you put in. And this goes for all kinds of work, from polishing widgets to running a department – if no-one ever feeds back, or says ‘thank you’, or even ‘that didn’t really work out, can you try it a different way next time, please?’ you can start to wonder if… well, if you’re even human – or just another piece of office furniture.

There are several ways to get over a ‘synth’ moment (or a ‘synth’ week, month or even year). You’re not a machine, but it’s odds-on the people treating you like one aren’t aware they’re even doing it, so making some constructive suggestions could improve things for everyone. In a well-run workplace, informal appraisals should be pretty regular, with more formal appraisals (in which the discussion is minuted, signed by employee and line manager, and put on file) occurring at least annually. If this doesn’t happen, approach HR (or equivalent) and suggest it. Appraisals are a two-way street: it’s not just an opportunity for your boss to remind you that she likes two sugars in her coffee; you can point out the times you’ve excelled, and areas where you need support.

Once you’ve engineered positive change in the workplace, you can start to uncover the human side of your colleagues outside of it, too. Arranging activities such as drinks and excursions – including management – can help colleagues to become friends, and in the process learn to value each other and recognize the contribution everyone is making. You might even learn what that person who sits right at the other end of the office looking at spreadsheets all day actually does…

And, if none of this is successful and you still look in the mirror and see the blank, unfulfilled face of a robot staring back at you, it’s time to come and see us at Recruit Mint. Our entire ethos is built on valuing everyone who walks through our door, understanding that their skills, talents and experiences are unique and that somewhere, out there, is an ideal job where they will fit right in and feel appreciated.

Or maybe, it simply is time for an oil change…

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