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AC1.5 Explain the concept of better working lives and how this can be designed
Guidelines:
- Introduction to Better Working Lives.
- Concept of Good Work and Definitions.
- Components of Job Quality.
- Flexibility and Responsiveness.
- Metrics Used to Assess Job Quality and Good Work.
- Designing Good Work for Health Promotion.
- Real-World Examples.
- Sources of Evidence.
- Introduction to a Better Working Life:
First, learners should introduce the concept of “A Better Working Life” and its importance. They should explain that it includes the concepts of good work, fair work, and good work that is good for workers’ bodies and minds.
2. Good Business Concept:
Learners should discuss the important concepts related to good business. These include:
a. Definition of good work:
Explain that good work is work that provides justice and value, promotes health, and leads to job satisfaction. It includes things like pay, design, health, safety and social support.
b. Fair and Equitable Work:
Emphasising the importance of fair and decent work, where workers are treated fairly, paid fair wages, and work safely.
3. Components of good work:
Learners should discuss the elements of good work such as:
a. Conditions of Employment:
Discuss factors such as job security, contract terms, and legal employee protections.
b. Salary and Benefits:
Explain the importance of fair wages, benefits, and career advancement opportunities.
c. Health, Safety and Stress:
Explain the importance of physical and mental health in the workplace. Discuss safety precautions, stress management, and work-life balance.
d. Job design and job quality:
Explain the impact of job design on job quality. Explore things like multitasking, independence, and skill development.
e. Social support and collaboration:
Explains the role of collaboration support from internal and external sources in the workplace in developing effective work.
4. Flexibility and Answers to Personal Questions:
On the role of flexibility in improving work life and the need for workplaces to accommodate self-employed people. Discuss policies such as flexible work hours, teleconferencing and family schedules.
5. Performance measurement:
An introduction to the various metrics used to measure performance and effectiveness, such as employee satisfaction surveys, absenteeism rates, return rates, and health and safety information. Explain how the organisation uses these metrics to measure its effectiveness in promoting a better working life.
6. Create good work:
Learners should give examples of ideas for creating good work that supports the body and mind. These include:
a. Fair Pay:
Emphasises the need for competitive and fair pay that reflects the value of employee benefits.
b. Work-life balance:
Promote the importance of work-life balance by providing flexible work and leave policies that meet the individual’s needs.
c. Job Design:
Promote job design that provides opportunities for skill development, independence, and multitasking. Show that these factors contribute to job satisfaction and psychological well-being.
d. Health and Safety Management:
Demonstrate the importance of managing health and safety in the workplace. Explain how healthand safety programs, regular health screenings, and ergonomic considerations can improve physical health.
e. Corporate Social Responsibility:
Promoting a workplace culture that encourages relationships and teamwork. Encourage employees to connect, collaborate, and provide emotional support.
7. Real-life examples:
Learners should provide real-life examples of organisations that have successfully implemented Better Performance strategies. For example, companies known for their employee policies, such as Google, may be an example of creating an environment that cares about employees.
8. Evidence:
Learners are encouraged to study better and support their understanding with research studies, case studies and evidence of good practice. These may include:
CIPD, (2023) CIPD Good Work Index. Available from https://www.cipd.org/uk/knowledge/reports/goodwork/
CIPD, (2018) Understanding and measuring job quality. Available from https://www.cipd.org/en/knowledge/reports/measuring-job-quality-report/
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