Quality of Work Life (QWL) - Definition, Importance & Example
What is Quality of Work Life (QWL)?
Quality of work life is a concept which talks about the overall focus on employee as a person rather than just the work done by him/her. Quality of Work Life is becoming an increasingly popular concept in recent times. It basically talks about the methods in which an organization can ensure the holistic well-being of an employee instead of just focusing on work-related aspects.
Importance of quality of work life
Quality of work life (QWL) is a fact that an individual’s life can’t be compartmentalised and any disturbance on the personal front will affect his/her professional life and vice-versa. A good work life balance is also what motivates an employee the most to perform well at his or job and also spend quality time with the family.
Therefore, organisations have started to focus on the overall development and happiness of the employee for their motivation and reducing his/her stress levels without jeopardising the economic health of the company. A good time management schedule helps employees balance their work and personal life.
Ways to achieve quality of work life (QWL)
Each organization has its own way of achieving this.
But the most common elements adopted are listed below:
1. Providing Job Security
If an employee is confident that his job is secure, they are much more relaxed and can perform better.
It gives them a confidence that even if something goes wrong by mistake, their job will not be at stake
2. Rewards and recognition
If an employee is awarded for a good performance, its helps them to perform even better.
The leadership and top management must ensure recognition of the efforts of subordinates. This is an importance aspect of good governance as well.
3. Flexible work timings
Flexibility during working hours is something which is appreciated by employees. This gives employees a chance to do their work and also work on certain important personal commitments. This significantly contributes to improving the quality of work life for an employee. Companies also promote a compressed work week concept.
4. Increased employee participation
Involving employees in discussions, strategies & feedback is something which helps increase the employees QWL & contribution towards a particular role.
5. Open communication
Transparency between management and employees & effective team management gives them confidence as they are updated with the business and also feel at ease being approachable
6. Career growth plans
Discussing the future of the employee in the company, interesting aspects of the job, career development etc. are all appreciated by employees
7. Job enrichment
Companies which are able to enrich the job with new tasks, better learning & training, more opportunities etc. are more likely to keep employees happy at work.
All these factors contribute in achieving a QWL for an employee.
Example of Quality of Work Life
A good example can be a company which provides good opportunities to an employee making sure that these opportunities are as per the skill level and matches with the aspirations as well. Also providing flexibility in work timings, perks like Work from home etc. adds to the quality of life.
These days, companies provide insurance plans and also various types of leaves to support the employee in the time of need or otherwise as well. These can keep employee secure in terms of unexpected events. These are some of the examples through which quality of work life is getting better.
Hence, this concludes the definition of Quality of Work Life (QWL) along with its overview.
This article has been researched & authored by the Business Concepts Team. It has been reviewed & published by the MBA Skool Team. The content on MBA Skool has been created for educational & academic purpose only.
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