Yes. Let me try to break it down into various components.
- Equality: Kerala society is highly egalitarian. For example, in government itself, even the DM won’t dare talk in a contemptuous tone to an MTS employee (Multi-Tasking Staff). Here, they are both equal. One of the reasons why many people don’t prefer Kerala cadre in UPSC CSE exam. There is no feudal mentality here and many who come into the civil services can’t digest the fact that you won’t be treated “specially”. This holds true for almost all sectors.
- Rights: There is a high awareness about rights. This means it will be difficult to get workers to do something that they don’t have to legally do. You can’t get a staff to work overtime every now and then. You will not be able to deny them leave to which they are entitled. An aware worker means an employer can’t take away much from him.
- Duties: As much as a worker in Kerala is keen in getting his rights, there is also a tendency to avoid their duties. This often leads to a deterioration in productivity and effectiveness. It is often said “that Malayalis are amongst the laziest in Kerala, while most hardworking outside the state”. I believe this is true.
- Political awareness: This is at the same time good and bad. Political awareness among the workers has helped them fight for their causes and to gain what is rightfully due to them. However, this has also lead to many evils like rampant Trade Unionism, partisanship and practices like “Nokkukooli”.
- Contempt towards manual labour: Manual labour is looked at with contempt in the state. A person who migrates to the gulf as a construction worker, would never do the same job back home. This is an attitude that has lead to a labour shortfall in the state which is being filled by migrants from other states.
Overall, I think Kerala presents a different work environment when compared to other parts of India. The work culture in Kerala presents many challenges that are unique. Only a tactful employer can navigate it successfully.