Quality of working life

Quality of Working Life (QWL) describes a person's broader employment-related experience. Various authors and researchers have proposed models of quality of working life – also referred to as quality of worklife – which include a wide range of factors, sometimes classified as 'motivator factors' which if present can make the job experience a positive one, and 'hygiene factors' which if lacking are more associated with dissatisfaction. A number of rating scales have been developed aiming to measure overall quality of working life or certain aspects thereof. Some publications have drawn attention to the importance of QWL for both employees and employers, and also for national economic performance. Quality of Working Life (QWL) describes a person's broader employment-related experience. Various authors and researchers have proposed models of quality of working life – also referred to as quality of worklife – which include a wide range of factors, sometimes classified as 'motivator factors' which if present can make the job experience a positive one, and 'hygiene factors' which if lacking are more associated with dissatisfaction. A number of rating scales have been developed aiming to measure overall quality of working life or certain aspects thereof. Some publications have drawn attention to the importance of QWL for both employees and employers, and also for national economic performance. Hackman and Oldham (1976) drew attention to what they described as psychological growth needs as relevant to the consideration of quality of working life. Several such needs were identified :