KARACHI:
Psychologists describe a phenomenon known as habituation — the tendency to stop noticing things that are constantly present in our daily lives. While this helps us focus on new information, it also has an unintended consequence: we begin to overlook people whose contributions are so consistent that we simply take them for granted. Sanitation workers, security guards, maintenance staff and many other essential workers quietly experience this reality every day.
This lack of recognition is not merely a matter of courtesy. It shapes how society values different kinds of work. Occupations that are physically demanding and indispensable often receive less respect than jobs that are more visible or prestigious. Yet a clean city, a safe neighbourhood and a well-maintained public space are all signs of a functioning society, made possible by individuals whose efforts deserve greater appreciation.
Respect should extend beyond polite words. Municipal authorities must ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, protective equipment and access to healthcare for sanitation workers. At the same time, citizens have a responsibility to support their efforts by disposing of waste responsibly and treating every worker with dignity, regardless of the nature of their job.
Perhaps the true measure of a society is not how it treats those in positions of power, but how it values the people whose work often goes unnoticed. By recognising the dignity of essential workers, we not only honour their contribution but also strengthen the culture of respect and civic responsibility upon which every successful community depends.
Warda Binte Hameed
Karachi
