Workplace design
| Workplace design |
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| See also |
Workplace and job design is the definition of employee responsibility for the work carried out by him. Job descriptions are essential components of any organization. They are determined by: the area of freedom of action and the area of freedom of decision. Job design is part of a wider set of actions, which defines process of organizing.
Design approach
There are several different approaches to the job design. They can be divided into two groups: job specialization and alternatives to specialization.
Specialization
Job specialization is the extent to which the general operation of the organization will be divided into smaller components. This is a limitation of the scope of freedom of action and freedom of decision and control. Specialization applies to both operational and managerial positions. The most important benefits of specialization are:
- improved performance of actions
- elimination of counter-productive time associated with switching between different actions,
- possibility to use more specialized work tools,
- reduction in the cost of training new employees.
Beside the advantages flowing from the implementation of the specialization, there are also some disadvantages of this solution, which include:
- alienation,
- work-related fatigue,
- dissatisfaction with work,
- dispersion and difficulty with coordination.
Specialization can also lead to a lack of flexibility in the workforce, as employees may not be able to easily adapt to new tasks or projects outside of their area of expertise. This can create challenges for businesses that need to pivot or adapt to changing market conditions. Additionally, the focus on a specific set of skills or tasks can lead to a lack of creativity and innovation, as employees may not be exposed to new ideas or ways of thinking.
Another potential drawback of specialization is the increased risk of job loss or redundancy, as employees may become less valuable if their specialized skills are no longer in high demand. This can create uncertainty and insecurity for employees, and can make it difficult for businesses to plan for the future.
Overall, while specialization can bring many benefits in terms of improved performance and cost savings, it is important for businesses to carefully consider the potential drawbacks and to implement strategies to mitigate these risks. This may include providing employees with opportunities for skill development and cross-training, as well as fostering a culture that values creativity and innovation.
References
- Feyen, R., Liu, Y., Chaffin, D., Jimmerson, G., & Joseph, B. (2000). Computer-aided ergonomics: a case study of incorporating ergonomics analyses into workplace design. Applied Ergonomics, 31(3), 291-300.
