Assessing the Dignity of Work

Assessing the Dignity of Work

A lofty phrase that's been around for awhile, however, has gained recently found prominence in recent years is that the expression "dignity of work".  It is uttered across the political spectrum, since it's widely thought to have universal respect and approval.  Who could argue with  top article  that conveys cherishment of commitment, skill development, and above all personal responsibility to provide yourself and their loved ones?   recommended you read  of work harkens not only to a pride of classic labor honestly done, but could also inspire and motivate all working-aged adults to do their part for the economy and community.

Dignity of work is regarded as a sublime ending in itself.  We had been raised to take a life of work.  Function is contributing.   find more  is performing your duty.  Work is good and much more selfless work is much better.  Achievement of a profound sense of gratification that comes out of a doing job well is your greatest reward for our labors we're told.  The grateful pat on the back from a coworker, the grin and nod from the supervisor, the eloquent testimonial from a delighted customer represent only a few of the energizing commendations which make work valuable.

So why is  how much is yours worth?  not felt so favorable or rewarding for a lot of?  We don't have to appear far to find people unhappy with their work.  Dignity of work is evasive for more workers than it ought to be.   this contact form  in 2019 of 500  employees found the vast majority (90%) expected to find joy in their work, but given time on the work just 37% actually experienced pleasure.  A few years ago Gallup reported only 30 percent of employees engaged with their jobs.  Forbes cited a poll of 411 workers, 19 percent of whom were happy with their jobs.   careers  could go on.

Dignity isn't inherent in work.   try this out  can't be dignified unless certain basic conditions are met.  The US Conference of Catholic Bishops recommends for basic worker rights as a necessity for work dignity such as accessibility to productive work, fair and sufficient compensation, and a permission structure permitting for organizing and unionization among other rights.  Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio calls for improvements of salary and benefits, healthcare expenditures, and retirement programs as a method of assuring dignity.  Ezra Klein from the New York Times factors to elimination of damaging and oppressive workplaces and also for direction to encourage employees to stay healthier and have leisure and family time.

I would add elimination of tyrannical management, poisonous coworkers, and workplace cultures that devalue portions of the workforce.  However, beyond stating what isn't wanted to engender dignity in work, let us focus on practices likely to contribute to dignity.  Workers by and large want the opportunity to be self-motivated.  There are 3 important circumstances which encourage this.  As pointed out by Daniel Pink in his book Drive, fostering an environment where employees are advised to develop mastery of their profession, exercise freedom in decision making, and define personal and professional goal in what they do issue greatly.

They wish to have the ability to sustain reasonable financial demands by working just one 40-hour a week job.  They want an executive management who know the principal capital in their own companies are their employees, who need to know they are appreciated.  They want the support of consumers who intentionally direct their dollars toward businesses who treat their workers with dignity.  (It begs the question, is a business model which needs employees working for just $7.25 each hour worthy of staying in business in this day and age)

Dignity of work should continue to be a universal value, but let's not cling to a notion it appears spontaneously, especially under adverse conditions.  It doesn't.  Dignity may be felt individually, but it requires a community to determine it is widely shared.