Blue collar worker’s behavioral differences in contrast to white-collar workers

Blue-collar and white-collar terms have meanings that evoke different perceptions and images. This predominantly includes the kinds of work and how individuals are compensated. Other key distinctions associated with the two include differing educational backgrounds, pay disparity, and social classes. These are often perceived and may not necessarily be real.

There is no denying that the behavioral patterns/instances differ drastically between that of a blue-collar worker and a white-collar worker due to the difference in their work. Generally, blue-collar workers are associated with manual labor and are either paid by the hour or on a piecework basis. White-collar workers, on the other hand, are associated with administrative, or management roles and usually earn an annual salary; thus leading to changes.

One of the major differences between blue-collar and white-collar jobs is their outlook toward job opportunities. It is perceived that blue-collar workers look at “job opportunities” over “career advancement opportunities”. White collars ideally look for a career advancement opportunity and will be willing to let go of opportunities that don’t seem the right fit.  However, blue collars get paid by the hour/day, are often let go without any warning/notice and need an immediate source of income. This signifies that counterintuitive to a white-collar worker, blue-collar workers seek jobs on an immediate basis and prefer instant gratification.

There is also a substantial difference when it comes to job security between the two working classes. Since white-collar workers are often hired after a stringent hiring process, get paid monthly, may have a provision to receive a pension, medical assistance, and additional benefits, etc. they experience a sense of stability and security. A blue-collar worker, on the other hand, may have obtained the job post a tenuous process with no benefits thus leaving a sense of instability. The absence of solid platforms for blue-collar workers that acts as a bridge between job seekers and providers is another differentiating factor. Traditionally,  blue collars have been recruited through middlemen or contractors leading to fraud, and exploitation of the workers given their limited education. However, times are changing with job platforms such as WorkIndia built specifically for blue & gray collar jobs catering to their needs.

Another significant distinction that can be noticed is in the manner they are treated at their workplace. Contrary to blue collars, white collars are appreciated at work, incentivized, are motivated to put their best foot forward making them feel valued and recognized at work. If these differences are understood and the needs of blue-collar workers are catered to, the future of the blue-collar workforce can reach greater lengths.

(The author is Mr. Nilesh Dungarwal, Co-Founder & COO, WorkIndia, and the views expressed in this article are his own)