What is good work and what makes good work
Research has shown that good work improves health, wellbeing, and has benefits for employees and employers.
Improving employee health and wellbeing can:
- improve productivity
- reduce sickness absence
- reduce workplace injuries
This can reduce the associated costs.
Good work offers:
- job security
- provides a decent income
- widens social networks
- gives people a purpose
This contributes to improving physical and mental wellbeing.
The health benefits of good work extend beyond working-age adults to their children, wider social network, and communities.
Fair work is central to improving the lives of all families in Scotland.
Prioritising fair work will help tackle child poverty head on.
This is actioned in the Scottish Government Best Start, Bright Futures: tackling child poverty delivery plan 2022 to 2026.
What makes good work?
These characteristics reflect good work:
- job security
- pay is reflective of the role and its value, and is a balance between effort and reward
- work that prevents harm, ensuring a safe and healthy workplace
- physical work environment is safe, encourages productivity and prevents isolation
- design of the job allows an element of autonomy and control
- promotes good mental health and reduces stress
- balance between demand and control
- balances power between workers and employer
- encourages and supports good health, including a work life balance and appropriate career progression