While scanning through USA Today's snapshot section, I came across one snapshot that seemed to contradict itself- "What small perks workers want". First of all, the image that first catches your eyes is a man with his legs propped up on the desk, all relaxed and laid back. If i were a boss, I most certainly would not give any of my employees any kind of perks if this is how they showed their work ethic, or lack there of.
As you scroll down the image, the graph is cleverly morphed into the desk that the man has his legs propped up on. This depicts more of employees' demands rather than actual perks that they deserve. The image makes it seem as if it is an employees right to get the persk listed in the graph. This is a terrible misrepresentation of the actual meaning of this snapshot.
Alright, bad imagery-that's fine, let's mover on to what the graph says. The small perks that workers want to "feel more valued" range from free soda and water to donuts for meetings. Seriously, this is considered news? Workers wanting free donuts because they are forced to sit in on a meeting they are already getting paid for. Let's be honest here USA Today, this story is about as newsworthy as "Which celebrity would make the most over-the-top Easter egg?".
Lindsey Arndt
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I looked at the USA Today's snapshot section that featured "What small perks workers want," and agree that this image is sending the wrong message to viewers. The image of a man with his legs propped up on the desk suggests that the worker is lazy or will not do work until they get the perks. Showing a worker in this manner could almost suggest to employees to act this way to get what they want. As you said, if I was a boss I would not be happy if my employee was acting in this laid back fashion. A graph depicting a hard working employee would work better here because it would show that the employee truly deserves the perks they want.
ReplyDeleteWhile I was looking at the perks that workers most wanted I was surprised by the categories. From most wanted to least there was free soda or water, casual dress once a week, free gourmet coffee or tea, free snacks, and donuts for meetings. To me these categories don't seem realistic for what an employee would want. Aren't there better things like paid vacations, a weekday off, or even gift certificates to the place they shop the most? I know if I were to receive free water I would not feel appreciated by my boss or company. Besides isn't water already free? I question if these are real perks at all.
There is a side note that claims that nearly half of all workers surveyed said small perks made them feel more valued. The side note works with the image, but does not provide any information. How many were surveyed? What kind of places do these people work at? These are questions raised when looking at this snapshot.
Overall, this image does not compare to real news. It feels like it's just fluff and has no news value. The image does not support its facts well and provides people with confusion. The colors and picture itself catches your attention, but once you interpret it you are left unsatisfied. Not the best from USA Today.