In Pursuit of Quality Jobs

The concept of what makes a quality job has been percolating for the past few years and had a spotlight shined directly on it through the effects the pandemic had on employment.??“Essential worker” is a term new to many of us and it encompasses a wide spectrum of roles, from first responders to healthcare clinical professionals to transit workers, grocery store staff, delivery specialists and beyond.?

Few would argue that first responders and medical professionals are quality jobs however when we look at lower-barrier-to-entry roles that description becomes harder to define.

In brief, a quality job provides the basic elements that any of us want:

1.??????Salaries that provide living wages so workers don’t have to hold multiple jobs out of necessity.

2.?????Predictable schedules providing a meaningful number of hours on shifts that work for the employee and their families.

3.?????Benefit eligibility created by grouping part time vacancies into full time jobs so workers can participate in the company-sponsored benefit options.

4.?????Benefits that work for employees at all levels of the organization.?For example, transportation can be costly and providing a pre-paid transit pass or free parking can make a bigger impact than tuition reimbursement for someone who is not yet ready to go to school.

5.?????Career growth opportunities provided through on the job training as well as classroom-based learning to allow employees to take their next steps in their careers.

6.?????Feeling safe on the job is essential for all of us. Period.

7.??????Job security brings peace of mind which brings deeper focus to the work and deeper commitment to the company.

8.?????Ask employees for their input on ways to do the job better or more efficiently. They do the work, they know.

These elements may require a new way of how to do things.?Creating schedules for a month or two ahead so employees can plan for childcare, elder care and other outside of work responsibilities could take some adjustment by employers but have big impact for the employees.?And the same goes for posting jobs, bundling together low-hour part time jobs into full time will make a difference for someone who is looking for work.

The business case for quality jobs speaks volumes for the company through reduced turnover and increased engagement that results in increased retention.?Happier employees are more committed and will provide word of mouth advertisement and candidate referrals. Happier employees will also create stronger connections with customers which translates into customer loyalty and increased sales. ?

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