What is Good Work and why is it beneficial?

What is Good Work?

Good Work is an approach first introduced by Matthew Taylor in his recommendations to the UK government in 2018: “that all work should be fair and decent, and for employers to offer opportunities that give individuals realistic scope to develop and progress.” He concluded there was a need to tackle: “one-sided flexibility, where some businesses have transferred too much business risk to the individual, sometimes at the detriment of their financial security and personal well-being.” There are five key principles that underpin the definition of Good Work:

• Satisfaction.
• Fair pay.
• Participation and progression.
• Well-being, safety and security.
• Voice and autonomy (freedom to work in a way that suits the individual).

These principles form the foundation of the recommendations and have now been adopted by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and the Institute for the Future of Work. The CIPD has added the need for work-life balance and the Institute for the Future of Work has included the right to access good work, equality and dignity.

The definition and principles of Good Work are a guide and it is important they are kept flexible, as the CIPD and the Institute for the Future of Work have done. Over the coming years, how we define Good Work will evolve depending on the needs of the individual, in the relation to the development of society.

Why is Good Work beneficial?

The main benefit of Good Work is that the quality of work improves. It’s not necessarily about the quality of the work we produce day to day but our view on the job itself. Based on my needs, is the job I’m in or applying to a quality job?

The principles help us as individuals to understand what is important. Is it pay, flexibility or progression etc. and choose the right job.

Conversely it helps employers better understand what is important to their employees and evaluate what is required for the work they offer.

The aim of Good Work is to create a harmony between employee and employer leading to greater job satisfaction, employee retention, progression and engagement.

We at Shaw Trust encourage the employers we work with to consider how embracing a Good Work approach brings benefits to their workforce and recruitment. Making the adjustments now will impact positively in the long run.

Do you want to find out more or start a conversation with an organisation committed to helping you improve the diversity and engagement of your workforce? Get in touch and we’ll gladly help you understand how Good Work can support your recruitment strategy. Email us at employers@shaw-trust.org.uk.

Written by Jags Lota, Marketing Content Officer at Shaw Trust.

Did you miss the last blog? Click here to read the blog about flexible working, focusing mainly on remote working.