Calling employees heroes is fine … if you treat them as such.

By Roy Harryman

Sign, sign
Everywhere a sign
Blockin' out the scenery
Breakin' my mind
Do this, don't do that
Can't you read the sign?

Well, this sign caught my attention: “Heroes work here.”

Although I’d seen many like it, this was my first time to view it at a post office. And it sparked contemplation.

There’s no doubt the people of USPS perform a valuable service – especially in a pandemic. I’m thankful for their work and don’t know what I’d do without them.

My question, however, goes to the motivation behind the sign. Is it to thank the workers? Is it to inform the public that the actions of postal employees are noble? It’s probably both.

But from the viewpoint of postal workers, health care workers and all the others who have been designated heroes via signpost, is it meaningful?

“It’s quite easy to have a sign printed and put up. Anyone can do it. Check it off the to-do list, ‘I’ve honored my employees with a sign. Next.’”

To me, the real test of whether we see our employees as heroes is if we treat them like heroes.

Do they receive better compensation for being heroes?
Do they receive personal thanks for being heroes?
Do they receive personal and public recognition for being heroes?

I could go on. But I think you get the point. If management believes workers are heroes, they deserve much more than a sign.

If workers are treated as champions, then signs and banners can legitimately celebrate them. But if the sign is the only change in the work environment, then it’s a “growth opportunity” for cynicism.

Let’s treat heroes like heroes. Or forget the signs.

Roy Harryman is the principal of Roy Harryman Marketing Communications and drives his family crazy by commenting on signs and banners.