What is "job design"?

Job design refers to the way that a set of tasks, or an entire job, is organized. It refers to administrative changes that can help improve working conditions. It differs from workplace design, which concentrates on dealing with the workstation, the tools, and the body position that all influence the way a person does his or her work. Good workplace design reduces static positions, repetitive motions and awkward body positions

Job design helps to determine:

• what tasks are to be done,
• how these tasks are to be done,
• how many tasks are done, and
• in what order the tasks are done.

It takes into account all factors which affect the work. Job design involves administrative areas such as:

• job rotation,
• job enlargement,
• task/machine pacing,
• work breaks, and
• working hours.

A well designed job will encourage a variety of 'good' body positions, have reasonable strength requirements, require a reasonable amount of mental activity, and help foster feelings of achievement and self-esteem

What are the goals of job design?

Goals can be in many difference areas and include:

- Task Variety: To alleviate boredom, avoid both excessive static body positions and repetitive movements. Design jobs to have a variety of tasks that require changes in body position, muscles used, and mental activities.

Two methods are job enlargement and job rotation. For example, if an employee normally assembles parts, the job may be enlarged to include new tasks such as work planning, inspection / quality control, or maintenance. Alternatively, the tasks may include working in the same department, but changing tasks every hour.

- Work Breaks / Rest Breaks: Rest breaks help alleviate the problems of unavoidable repetitive movements or static body positions. More frequent but shorter breaks (sometimes called "micro breaks") are sometimes preferable to fewer long breaks.

It is important that employees stretch and use different muscle groups. If the employee has been very active, a rest break should include a stationary activity or stretching.

What steps should I take when carrying out a job design project?

Although there are many ways to carry out job design, the following stages are essential:

- Do an assessment of current work practices. Is job design needed or feasible? Discuss the process with the employees and supervisors involved and be clear about the process and any changes or training that will be involved.

- Do a task analysis. Examine the job and determine exactly what the tasks are. Consider what equipment and workstation features are important for completing the tasks. Identify problem areas.

- Design the job. Identify the methods for doing the work, work/rest schedules, training requirements, equipment needed and workplace changes. Coordinate the different tasks so each one varies mental activities and body position. Be careful not to under or overload the job.