Compensating Passion - Valuing the Unsung Heroes of Our Society

In every community, there are quiet heroes whose work shapes the very fabric of that microcosm. They are the conservationists fighting to preserve our planet, the archivists safeguarding our collective history, the sign language interpreters bridging vital communication gaps, and the public interest lawyers defending the voiceless. Their work is not just admirable-it is essential. However, their hard work is neither properly valued nor well-compensated. Their struggles are dismissed as they are supposed to be pursuing their purpose and passion.

It is imperative to change this narrative. These professionals are the backbone of a fair, sustainable, and thriving society. We must do more than merely recognize their work-we must ensure they are valued, supported, and celebrated.

When Purpose Comes at a Cost

Billy Arjan, one of India’s celebrated conservationists, exemplifies the struggle faced by those who dedicate their lives to causes. Singh’s pioneering work of reintroducing tigers into the wild was instrumental in preserving one of the world’s most iconic animals. However, his monumental achievements were accompanied by barely any financial or institutional support. It appeared to be accepted that society would reward Singh’s passion for wildlife conservation with recognition rather than appropriate compensation.

Singh’s tale is not unique in demonstrating the ‘passion discount,’ – the prevailing notion that commitment and purpose should suffice in place of fair pay. We see the same thing across all professions that are essential for society. Certified nurse assistants work extremely long hours caring for patients while earning meagre wages. Similarly, the therapeutic interventions of art therapists in helping people heal from trauma are frequently categorized as ‘luxuries’ instead of ‘necessities’. Such undervaluation creates a stark economic reality where these niche professionals are expected to perform exceptional work while making both personal and financial sacrifices.

Profit Over Progress

Recognition and rewards often depend on whether professional work directly impacts a company’s bottom line. For instance, consider Amol Bhat, a cybersecurity specialist who protected an energy company from a massive cyberattack that could have resulted in billions in losses. For this work, he was hailed as a hero, paid a significant bonus, and received a well-deserved promotion. His work did indeed directly affect the stability of the company’s financial standing, for which he was rightfully rewarded.

This stands in stark contrast to the case of Billy Arjan Singh. While a cybersecurity specialist saves money, a conservation biologist saves ecosystems; however, only one of them is fairly compensated. This disparity reveals a gloomy truth: organizations tend to prioritize people based on how directly their job contributes to revenue.

The case of Tesla is another example. The company’s sustainability engineers, whose responsibility is to design clean energy solutions, are paid substantial salaries and stock options. They are well compensated because they perform work aligned with Tesla’s profit-driven goals. Meanwhile, there are environmentalists working independently or in non-profits (on projects of equal ecological importance), struggling to find basic funding.

Professional expertise that enhances the bottom line is consistently celebrated and rewarded. Conversely, contributions that do not directly lead to financial gain, despite their significant societal enrichment, are frequently overlooked or undervalued. This established paradigm demonstrates society’s tendency to disproportionately value professionals who generate profit rather than those who facilitate societal progress.

Why Are These Roles Undervalued?

1. Profit-Driven Focus: In a world where success is measured primarily through high profit margins, roles that contribute to the welfare of society are frequently sidelined.
2. Limited Talent Pools: Their expertise is rare because many niche professionals require years of specialized training. However, organizations fail to consider this scarcity when determining compensation.
3. Budget Constraints: Limited funding is often cited as a rationale for providing low compensation to non-profits, public institutions, and even private companies.
4. Cultural Assumptions: The widespread notion that passion is inherently more important than profit perpetuates the undervaluation of these roles.

The Hidden Cost of Neglecting Niche Professionals

1. Brain Drain: The consequence of this approach is that talented individuals abandon these professions for more financially secure careers. This loss of expertise undermines fields that depend on skilled, passionate individuals.
2. Societal Gaps: Without archivists, our history could be irretrievably lost. Without the efforts of conservationists, ecosystems could collapse. Without sign language interpreters, millions of people face insurmountable communication barriers.
3. Burnout: Low compensation, lack of recognition, and demanding work conditions create high levels of stress and burnout. When these professionals leave their fields, organizations incur substantial costs for recruitment and training.

Rewarding Niche Professionals Differently

1. Performance-Linked Bonuses: Tying compensation to measurable outcomes not only provides financial incentives but also reinforces the value of their impact. For example, in India, where the government would primarily be responsible for funding, conservationists could receive bonuses based on the success of wildlife preservation initiatives.
2. Skill Development Opportunities: Subsidized training, certifications, and cross-training programs can help niche professionals expand their expertise and adapt to changing demands. Investing in their growth benefits both the individual and the organization.
3. Alternative Compensation Models: Offering stock options, equity, or profit-sharing mechanisms can create a sense of ownership and long-term commitment. For instance, AI researchers at Google receive stock options that recognize their strategic value.

Rethinking CSR and ESG Investments: Creating Dedicated Funding Channels for Niche Roles

Governments and private organizations should establish grants, subsidies, or dedicated funding streams for critical niche roles. For instance:

Public-Private Partnerships: Companies could collaborate with governments to fund professionals in underpaid fields such as conservation, mental health, and public welfare.

Corporate Sponsorships: Businesses could sponsor salaries for art therapists, conservation biologists, or sign language interpreters, tying their contributions to impactful societal change.

Building a Society That Values Its Architects

Niche professionals-whether conservationists, archivists, or public interest lawyers-are the silent architects of a better world. Their contributions are vital yet often overlooked and undercompensated. It is time to institute meaningful change. Businesses need not just fund initiatives. By redefining and reimagining how CSR and ESG budgets are utilized, they can take corporate social responsibility beyond merely funding initiatives. Instead, these dedicated professionals can directly support organizations by applying their expertise to promote sustainable practices.

Recognizing and investing It choice to recognise and invest in niche professionals is not only an ethical choice but also a strategic one. Helping to create such a future depends on choosing to champion those who work for the greater good; in doing so, companies not only enhance their legacy but also elevate the common good. We must cultivate a world where those who serve society are recognized and empowered, rather than merely tolerated.

Authors: Shivani Pandey, Postgraduate Student, FLAME University & Prof Aditya Agrawal, Faculty of Human Resources, FLAME University.