The Concept of Value for Work and Its Significance

​by: Nathaniel A. Saquiban

​Value for work refers to our attitude towards work. It means putting value or giving importance to our duties and responsibilities even if nobody sees us and in the absence of a reward. Normally, it starts with a perspective. If we consider our work as one of great value, we will put significance to it, make time with it, or prioritize it. It means that we cannot just sacrifice our work in exchange to something less important. We cannot procrastinate. Instead, we put our time, strength, skills, and talents into it. We give our best and in effect, we will be giving the best service to the public as well as to God.
As mentioned, it starts with a perspective. How do we see our work at this moment? Do we see it as a mere livelihood or source of income? Normally, jobs are meant for compensation. However, if our tasks become a daily routine, we get bored and eventually, we lose our interest. Consequently, we do not put our energy into it. It is best that we regard our work in a higher perspective. We must consider it as a call so that we will find meaning into it and it will be meaningful to us. It means that we view it also as an act of service unto God other than for wage or salary.
In all endeavors, especially in public service, excellence is demanded and expected. We cannot do things haphazardly especially if the nature of our job may cost lives the moment it is done below the standard. However, even if our job is not that of a very critical nature, we cannot afford to give disservice to the public. The standard of public service is high and lowering it down deliberately may result to conduct prejudicial to the interest of the service which is an administrative offense with corresponding penalty. The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees is extant in its requirements. “Public officials and employees shall perform and discharge their duties with the highest degree of excellence, professionalism, intelligence and skill. They shall enter public service with utmost devotion and dedication to duty.”
Value for work is essentially having sense of responsibility. One who has the willingness to sacrifice or forego personal appointments and agenda. As the same Code requires, it is upholding public interest over and above personal interest. It is discharging one’s duties with utmost responsibility, integrity, competence, and loyalty. Looking into the provisions of said law, it did not literally state value for work. However, it indirectly enforces the observance of this value. Moreover, even in the absence of the law, it is the oath or commitment of every public servant to render efficient and effective public service.
In the corporate world, value for work is imperative because a business may lose revenues in case of customer dissatisfaction. In the same manner, there is corresponding penalty for lack or low performance upon notice and hearing.
Both in public and private sector, there is a compelling reason to perform well. However, it is still best to be exceptional in all fields of endeavor at all times, not because of penalty for inefficiency, but because it is our value or attitude. It is in view of the fact that what we are doing is not only for ourselves but for the succeeding generations to come. We must therefore say to ourselves, “We have value for work because we care”.