There are 6 key areas of work design that, if not managed well, are associated with poor health and well-being, lower productivity and increased sickness absence.
Control relates to how much say an employee has in relation to the way they do their work. Control is considered to be one of the six risk factors that can contribute to work-related stress. These 6 key areas are addressed as part of the HSE Management Standards. The Management Standards have been developed as a best practice approach for employers and to help reduce the levels of work-related stress at an organisational level.
Where control is managed well, employees will have a say in how their work is organised and undertaken. Employees will be consulted and encouraged to develop new skills and have regular opportunity for discussion about their work.
Research suggests that when there are greater opportunities for participating in decision making, greater satisfaction and higher feelings of self-esteem are reported amongst employees.
That employees indicate that they are able to have a say about the way they do their work and systems are in place locally to respond to any individual concerns.
