“This is the modern world of work…
15 June 2018
…and we need to respond quickly”, says Sir Brendan Barber, Acas’ Chair. “If your workplace was a person, would you say it was in good health?”
In a recent article, Sir Brendan Barber talks about the debate around good work and good workplaces and what are the factors that make work good for people - which, in turn, makes work good for business and for the economy. “Is your work good for you?” asks Sir Barber.
Highlighted in this article are some of the risks known to our mental health such as poorly managed organisational change, work intensification and an absence of understanding or support for what you are going through. Also discussed are some of the worst examples of what makes work bad for us, such as certain 'dark industries' that would be more suited to working life in the nineteenth century.
Matthew Taylor's review of modern employment practices last year listed six 'foundations of quality work':
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Wages (and satisfaction with pay)
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Employment quality (about feeling secure and having working hours that suit you)
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Education and training (so you can develop and progress)
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Working conditions (job autonomy is critical here)
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Work-life balance (including flexible working)
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Consultative participation and collective representation ('employee voice')
Sir Brendan asks, “If our mental health is helped by having a safe and secure home, loving and supportive relationships and meaningful activity that rewards and develops us, then what does this tell us about the modern employment relationship and how it can either nourish or thwart us?”
Among the many specific issues under consultation, some key points Acas has made to the government include the recommendations that:
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All workers should have a right to a written statement from day one because it will help increase awareness of rights and responsibilities whatever the type of contract
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Agency workers should have a 'key facts' page so they can make a more informed choice about their working arrangements
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Acas should work with the government and other stakeholders to promote greater awareness of employment rights amongst employers and workers
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Information and consultation arrangements are so important to good employment relations that we need a consensus, not just on thresholds for activating such arrangements in an organisation, but also on the core principles that can support arrangements for voice that are effective and sustainable
Sir Brendan also says that David Metcalf makes an interesting proposal that new migrants to the UK should get information on how to contact Acas. “Perhaps our main challenge in the months ahead is to reach those individuals, organisations and areas of the economy in most need of practical advice and support. It's not just 'time to talk' about our mental health, it's time to talk about our employment rights and responsibilities, employment relations and why good work benefits us all.”
You can read the full article here.