Are You Looking For A Good Job?
Work takes up a large part of our lives as we try to find a job that matches our abilities and aspirations. But what does a good job look like in today’s world of work?
Enjoying you work
Work should provide a level of enjoyment although it will vary from person-to-person and job-to-job. Most of us work because we need money and have bills to pay. But there are many other reasons too.
Finding rewarding work is possible when you enjoy a level of responsibility and are recognised for your contribution. Jobs are, of course, experienced in different ways, as one person may love their job while another loathes it.
Young people looking for flexible part-time work to earn extra money will view temporary jobs differently from someone looking for a full-time steady income. For some, work provides a way out of poverty to a better and more fulfilled life; for others, low wage and zero hour contract work provides little more than long-term struggle.
Good job, bad job
It is useful to consider the elements that make one job good and another bad. Money is a starting point but other factors are also important, as promotion prospects and pension plans prove popular.
The needs of individuals are crucial, as unrealistic expectations put irrational demands on people as they carry out their tasks. Working long and irregular hours over lengthy periods affects job satisfaction as such patterns can increase stress and anxiety.
The provision of further education and training adds value, as it provides an opportunity to learn new skills and stay relevant to the market. A workplace that encourages the development of hard and soft skills is one of the best ways to ensure job security and financial reward.
A supportive environment where people are kept up to date with company activities is prized, as it provides transparency and a feeling of inclusion. Following a reduction in job security in recent years, however, the number of people in self-employment has risen as a way to gain greater autonomy and control.
Balancing the needs of the job with the needs of the person provides a chance to prioritise what matters for employer and employee. Fairness in the workplace, regardless of specific demands, is valued as it provides an understanding of what is being done and why.
Flexibility is cherished too, particularly for people with families or caring responsibilities and for those suffering from ill health that limits the hours they can offer. A good workplace, however, doesn’t have to be perfect. But it does have to focus on what matters.
So, the economy will always produce good jobs and not so good jobs but all jobs are made better when grounded in an atmosphere of fairness and opportunity.
