Job Control

‘If you really want to increase employees’ health and well-being, focus on job control!’

(McKinsey, 2018)

The overlooked essentials of employee well-being | McKinsey

What is it?

McKinsey (2018) describe job control as ‘the amount of discretion employees have to determine what they do and how they do it’.

Why is it beneficial?

When work flexibilities are afforded, employee engagement, as well as physical and mental health, increases.

How does it work?

Many assume that ’the higher you go in your career, the higher the stress’. This, however, is not necessarily the case. Silicon Republic suggest that one of the biggest reasons for this is the level of ‘control’ a person has over how they approach and execute their duties. Typically, the higher you go, the more flexibility you have around how and when you work. The stress of low-paid work and how employers can be better (siliconrepublic.com)

From a psychological perspective, humans seek out safety. The more in control we are of situations around us, the less ambiguity we face. Work processes are no exception. For many years companies have written manuals and flow charts, dictating working hours, instructions, and processes. But things are evolving. For almost eighteen months people have been working from home, many of whom have been afforded the opportunity to live a more balanced lifestyle by choosing their own working style. According to Forbes, people typically thrive under such conditions. Furthermore, they write that leaders can drive positive changes by simply providing more choice and control for employees. The Power Of Choice And What Matters Most For The Future Of Work (forbes.com)

How can you implement it?

1. A new way of working: When you consider what motivates employees, very often it’s being part of the solution. By enabling your teams to evaluate their work content, and decide how they want to approach it, you may find yourself (a) identifying improvements to existing operational processes (yes, better ways to work!), as well as (b) managing a more productive and motivated team!

2. Offer flexibility: Why not allow your employees to determine their own calendars? Empower them to decide on their working hours, as well as location. By creating an environment where parents can bring their children to school, or by eliminating the Friday commute, you will likely foster an overall sense of control and satisfaction within your team.

3. What about personal development? Can employees learn and develop in areas they want to become an expert in? Can they work in groups of their choice with colleagues they admire and can learn from? By offering teams the opportunity to train and develop in line with their talents and interests, they will likely feel an increased sense of control around their career path and general future with the company.

For more tips on empowering employees and driving workplace wellbeing, reach out to our team at Health of Business today. Enquiries@healthofbusiness.com