Individuals and Work - The Nature of Work
Reasons People Work
Note:
Reasons People Work = (SHESEA VASE)
Safety and Security (S)
Health (H)
Employment (E) To meet specific needs
Sense of Identity (S)
Education (E)
Adequate Standard of Living (A)
Value and Status (VAS) To meet value and status needs
Economic (E) For economic reasons
Reasons People Work = (SHESEA VASE)
Safety and Security (S)
Health (H)
Employment (E) To meet specific needs
Sense of Identity (S)
Education (E)
Adequate Standard of Living (A)
Value and Status (VAS) To meet value and status needs
Economic (E) For economic reasons
To meet specific needs
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Safety and security refers to our essential desire to feel protected and safe from threat. This need covers important physical, emotional and financial aspects of wellbeing
Similarities
Neither paid nor unpaid work always guarantees safety and security as both have some positions that can be unsafe and do not provide security.
Differences
Safety and security refers to our essential desire to feel protected and safe from threat. This need covers important physical, emotional and financial aspects of wellbeing
Similarities
Neither paid nor unpaid work always guarantees safety and security as both have some positions that can be unsafe and do not provide security.
Differences
Paid Work
- Provides security of a regular income to provide for self and family - Some work only provides security of income for the length of the contract or for the shifts that become available (Casual) - Some jobs increase risk of injury such as working in a war zone or construction work. ‘Danger money’ is offered to compensate for this. |
Unpaid Work
- Generally considered safe work, e.g. teaching or fundraising, but not always - Environmental conservation involve outdoor work which can be unpredictable (injuries, falls, insects) - Caring for the disabled is physically demanding and can cause injuries if performed incorrectly - Working at night or volunteering for homeless help distribution can compromise safety and security |
HEALTH
Health is a holistic concept and is related to a person’s perception of wellbeing. There are five dimensions of health: physical, social, emotional, mental and spiritual
Similarities
Both enable an individual to meet physical and mental needs in some form or another, and both have the potential to negatively impact upon these areas of health.
Differences
Health is a holistic concept and is related to a person’s perception of wellbeing. There are five dimensions of health: physical, social, emotional, mental and spiritual
Similarities
Both enable an individual to meet physical and mental needs in some form or another, and both have the potential to negatively impact upon these areas of health.
Differences
Paid Work
- Jobs such as physical training, lifeguards, the armed forces and emergency teams directly relate to physical health. These can both improve and be detrimental to physical heath and require constant medical checks - Some jobs impact mental health if the job is stressful or does not meet economic needs leading to an increase of anxiety or depression |
Unpaid Work
- Working in the home (e.g. cleaning) can improve fitness through tasks such as vacuuming, making beds and carrying laundry, decreasing the risk of lifestyle diseases and heart attacks - Unpaid/volunteer work enables people to meet mental health needs via the creation of routine and the sense of purpose it gives the individual |
EMPLOYMENT NEEDS
Needs that are met via the exertion of energy towards the goal of earning a pay, profit, commission or payment
Similarities
The participation in both paid and unpaid work is dependant on the requirements of each individual’s employment needs. E.g. an individual having already obtained enough wealth to only require a low paying paid job is then able to devote more time and energy to any volunteer or unpaid work they wish to partake in such as exercise or volunteering in an animal shelter
Differences
Needs that are met via the exertion of energy towards the goal of earning a pay, profit, commission or payment
Similarities
The participation in both paid and unpaid work is dependant on the requirements of each individual’s employment needs. E.g. an individual having already obtained enough wealth to only require a low paying paid job is then able to devote more time and energy to any volunteer or unpaid work they wish to partake in such as exercise or volunteering in an animal shelter
Differences
Paid Work
This need is satisfied through all forms of paid work as it provides economic benefits |
Unpaid Work
This need is not met as it does not provide economic benefits |
SENSE OF IDENTITIY NEEDS
This need is the need to know who you are as a person, which is influenced by your roles in work, family, sport or social life.
Similarities
Both paid and unpaid positions allow for an individual to both create and reimagine the sense of identity as well as express this to others
Differences
This need is the need to know who you are as a person, which is influenced by your roles in work, family, sport or social life.
Similarities
Both paid and unpaid positions allow for an individual to both create and reimagine the sense of identity as well as express this to others
Differences
Paid Work
- The nature of the work you do can express your culture, level of education, lifestyle, etc. can enable you to create a picture of yourself - An individual’s sense of identity influences work ethic |
Unpaid Work
- The opportunity for self-discovery or life changing experience through volunteer work is ever-present |
EDUCATION NEEDS
This refers to the need to engage in the action or process of acquiring new knowledge and skills
Similarities
Both provide ample opportunity for an individual to be further educated in a particular field of work and learn new universal skills
Differences
This refers to the need to engage in the action or process of acquiring new knowledge and skills
Similarities
Both provide ample opportunity for an individual to be further educated in a particular field of work and learn new universal skills
Differences
Paid Work
- Most workplaces are seen as intellectual environments as each day some task can be presented that enables an individual to expand upon their knowledge and skills - Many employers require their employees to engage in continual professional learning or offer on-site and off-site training and education such as TAFE - The self-employed may not have the same opportunities to partake in extra training or career development |
Unpaid Work
- Work placement through vocational education and training courses allows individuals to gain first-hand experience in the field they are studying - Networking and meeting people in the desired field of work can increase the opportunity for paid employment - Donating time and energy to charities can educate volunteers on a particular matter, which they can then educate others about - Through volunteer work, new skills such as customer service and handling money can be learned |
ADEQUATE STANDARD OF LIVING NEEDS
Sometimes referred to as the primary needs, food, clothing and shelter that are required by all people
Similarities
Both provide a means to work towards the fulfilment of this need, but by no means guarantee it will be met
Differences
Sometimes referred to as the primary needs, food, clothing and shelter that are required by all people
Similarities
Both provide a means to work towards the fulfilment of this need, but by no means guarantee it will be met
Differences
Paid Work
- Working in paid employment provides financial resources that allow an individual to access an adequate standard of living - The amount of money earned by an individual dictates the comfort of an individual’s lifestyle - The underemployed find it difficult to meet this need as they require more hours of work to provide even their basic needs |
Unpaid Work
- Unpaid or volunteer work provides no monetary compensation and so does not allow for the meeting of this need. This work would need to be performed in combination with paid employment in order to meet this need. - Volunteer work can however provide an individual with the opportunity to obtain further hours of paid work via the demonstration of dedication and work ethic to the employer |
Economic
This is one of the major reasons why people work. Economic gain or monetary rewards are given for labour, either through direct or indirect payments. Direct payments for work are usually in the form of a wage, salary or fee for service, which often includes compulsory superannuation. Indirect payments are non-monetary payments in return for service, such as a company car, bonuses, stock options, shares, corporate boxes or mobile phones.
Both direct and indirect payments enable workers to create a lifestyle and satisfy needs and wants. The amount of financial comfort will depend on the work pattern and occupation, as different work patterns and occupations attract different wages.
Both direct and indirect payments enable workers to create a lifestyle and satisfy needs and wants. The amount of financial comfort will depend on the work pattern and occupation, as different work patterns and occupations attract different wages.
Value and status
Value
Work is valued for:
- The individual satisfaction of economic needs to fulfil the need to have an adequate standard of living including the fulfilment of physical needs such as food and clothing. Work also gives a sense of purpose and satisfaction.
- The social benefits that come from the payment of taxes that allow for the providence of infrastructure
The value placed on an occupation by both the individual and society alters the perception of that job and therefore how valuable the job is
Status
Status us a societal-based rank of an individual’s importance derived from their job. Status can be perceived by:
- Employed/unemployed
- Integrity of the job (e.g. fireman vs paparazzi)
- Level of employment (CEO, Manager, assistant)
- The magnitude of the result of a decision (e.g. doctor, prime minister)
- How many years of study required for the job (e.g. doctor (7 years) vs retail (on the job))
- How much the individual earns (level of remuneration)
Work is valued for:
- The individual satisfaction of economic needs to fulfil the need to have an adequate standard of living including the fulfilment of physical needs such as food and clothing. Work also gives a sense of purpose and satisfaction.
- The social benefits that come from the payment of taxes that allow for the providence of infrastructure
The value placed on an occupation by both the individual and society alters the perception of that job and therefore how valuable the job is
Status
Status us a societal-based rank of an individual’s importance derived from their job. Status can be perceived by:
- Employed/unemployed
- Integrity of the job (e.g. fireman vs paparazzi)
- Level of employment (CEO, Manager, assistant)
- The magnitude of the result of a decision (e.g. doctor, prime minister)
- How many years of study required for the job (e.g. doctor (7 years) vs retail (on the job))
- How much the individual earns (level of remuneration)
The Labour Force
Labour force concepts and terms
Labour force
All people who are working or are able to work
Employed
All persons aged 15 or over who, during the week:
- Worked one hour or more per week for either direct or indirect payment in job, business or on a farm
- Worked one hour or more per week without pay in a family business or on a farm
- Were employees who did not work due to being away, on strike or on worker’s compensation
- Worked one hour or more per week for either direct or indirect payment in job, business or on a farm
- Worked one hour or more per week without pay in a family business or on a farm
- Were employees who did not work due to being away, on strike or on worker’s compensation
Unemployed
All persons aged 15 years and over who were not employed but were actively looking for work and were available for work
Employed part time
Those working fewer than 35 hours per working week
Employed full time
Those working 35 hours or more per working week
Participation rate
The labour forced expressed as a percentage of the entire population
Labour force participation across the life span
- The workforce is made up of primarily
- (2001) 30-44 years
- (2006) 35-49 years
- (2011) 25-29, 35-39, and 50-54 years
- The labour force has grown at approximately an extra 1, 000, 000 each year
- The number of 15-19 year olds in the labour force outweighs those not in the labour force in all three years
- (2001) 30-44 years
- (2006) 35-49 years
- (2011) 25-29, 35-39, and 50-54 years
- The labour force has grown at approximately an extra 1, 000, 000 each year
- The number of 15-19 year olds in the labour force outweighs those not in the labour force in all three years
Account for labour force participation rates across the lifespan. Two Seels using infancy (0-2), childhood (3-11), adolescence (12-18), young adulthood (18-25), adulthood (26-65) and aged (65+) (6 Marks)
Full-time vs Part-time
Part time work is work that consists of less than 35 hours a week, wereas full-time is working for 35 hours or more per week and both usually have set days and hours of work each week. Part-time work is the more popular pattern of work for adolescence (12-18) and young adults (18-25) as well as the aged (65+) in some cases. For adolescence and young adults, this is the case due to their need for a more flexible schedule as they are either in high school or may be engaging in tertiary education which only allows them to work less than 35 hours a week. In regards to the aged, for those past retirement age, some are unable to live off of their superannuation or pension money comfortably, or they have no hobby to fall back on to occupy their time and so they may turn to part-time work to fill the time. Full time work is most appealing to adults (26-65) as they need this job to provide enough income to sustain their lifestyle and their family and they have this time free as there are little other commitments, such as school, aside from family they have to attend to.
Unemployed
Unemployment is the state of being without employment, but seeking it. This does not include those who are not old enough or are not seeking formal employment such as infants, children, some adolescents and many individuals past the retirement age. This common in the middle years of adolescence and is present to a degree in young adulthood. This is the case as 14-16 years of age is often when individuals begin their search for employment in order to financially support themselves and not rely on their parent/s/guardian/s to provide them with their needs and wants as well as being a way to start adding formal employment to their resumes. Those in the young adult age bracket may be in the unemployed category as they have just finished their high school or tertiary education and are only just looking for a job, not having had one when they were younger.
Full-time vs Part-time
Part time work is work that consists of less than 35 hours a week, wereas full-time is working for 35 hours or more per week and both usually have set days and hours of work each week. Part-time work is the more popular pattern of work for adolescence (12-18) and young adults (18-25) as well as the aged (65+) in some cases. For adolescence and young adults, this is the case due to their need for a more flexible schedule as they are either in high school or may be engaging in tertiary education which only allows them to work less than 35 hours a week. In regards to the aged, for those past retirement age, some are unable to live off of their superannuation or pension money comfortably, or they have no hobby to fall back on to occupy their time and so they may turn to part-time work to fill the time. Full time work is most appealing to adults (26-65) as they need this job to provide enough income to sustain their lifestyle and their family and they have this time free as there are little other commitments, such as school, aside from family they have to attend to.
Unemployed
Unemployment is the state of being without employment, but seeking it. This does not include those who are not old enough or are not seeking formal employment such as infants, children, some adolescents and many individuals past the retirement age. This common in the middle years of adolescence and is present to a degree in young adulthood. This is the case as 14-16 years of age is often when individuals begin their search for employment in order to financially support themselves and not rely on their parent/s/guardian/s to provide them with their needs and wants as well as being a way to start adding formal employment to their resumes. Those in the young adult age bracket may be in the unemployed category as they have just finished their high school or tertiary education and are only just looking for a job, not having had one when they were younger.
Patterns of Work
Note:
Patterns of Work = (PCPCSSSTVFWJ)
Part-time (P)
Casual (C)
Permanent (P)
Contract (C)
Self-employed (S)
Shift work (S)
Seasonal (S)
Temporary (T)
Voluntary (V)
Full-time (F)
Working remotely (W)
Job share (J)
Patterns of Work = (PCPCSSSTVFWJ)
Part-time (P)
Casual (C)
Permanent (P)
Contract (C)
Self-employed (S)
Shift work (S)
Seasonal (S)
Temporary (T)
Voluntary (V)
Full-time (F)
Working remotely (W)
Job share (J)
Full-time, part-time, job share, casual
Work Pattern: Full-Time
Definition
A pattern of work in which an individual works more than 35 hours every week. This kind of work entitles an employee to a minimum of four weeks annual leave per year, sick leave, long-service leave and parental leave.
Definition
A pattern of work in which an individual works more than 35 hours every week. This kind of work entitles an employee to a minimum of four weeks annual leave per year, sick leave, long-service leave and parental leave.
Advantages
- Stable job - Increased hours therefore increased wages - Hours can be structured and regular |
Disadvantages
- Long hours - Annual holiday leave may not be flexible - Less time for family |
Suitability
- Young people out of uni/TAFE: Without school commitments these people can now engage in career development and learning valuable skills - Home owners with a mortgage: A large percentage of earnings will go to paying off the home with the rest going to day to day needs and some wants |
Work Pattern: Part-Time
Definition
A pattern of work in which an individual works less than 35 hours each week and receive all the entitlements of full-time employees on a proportional basis
Definition
A pattern of work in which an individual works less than 35 hours each week and receive all the entitlements of full-time employees on a proportional basis
Advantages
- Shorter hours allowing individuals to combine work with other responsibilities - Wide range of occupations - Benefits are proportional to the hours worked |
Disadvantages
- Wages are proportional to the hours worked - Career and promotional opportunities may decline - Lower status than full-time workers |
Suitability
- Young students: Enables students to engage in an adult environment and still engage in their studies - Phased retirees: Allows the aged to slowly move away from the workforce - Individuals engaged in side work: For individuals such as paid artists who may not earn a lot can work in a part time job in conjunction with their other work |
Work Pattern: Job Share
Definition
Job sharing involves one full-time position being shared between two people, each with proportionate benefits.
Definition
Job sharing involves one full-time position being shared between two people, each with proportionate benefits.
Advantages
- Allows for new families to spend time together but still provide an income - Set hours allow parents to settle children into a routine - Fewer working hours allows for recreational pursuits |
Disadvantages
- Income is lower - Working with someone else may cause more stress through conflicts over work - It may disrupt the office or other staff |
Suitability
- New parents with a working partner: This allows the new parent to gain an extra income and slowly introduce the child to day care - University/TAFE Students: The flexibility will allow the student to focus on study and gain vital work experience - People returning to work after injury: those who are unable to physically get to work every day can return on a job share until back to full health |
Work Pattern: Casual Work
Definition
Casual employees are those who are engaged to work on an hourly or daily basis for which they are paid extra loading on top of the normal rate to compensate for the lack of usual benefits such as annual or sick leave.
Definition
Casual employees are those who are engaged to work on an hourly or daily basis for which they are paid extra loading on top of the normal rate to compensate for the lack of usual benefits such as annual or sick leave.
Advantages
- Receive extra pay loading to compensate for irregular hours - Individuals can terminate their employment at short notice - More work available in peak retail times e.g. Christmas, which also provide extra pay |
Disadvantages
- Can be called in without notice - No job security - Difficult to get home loans or financial support due to the lack of security |
Suitability
- Young students: the few hours with increased pay allows students to study and work simultaneously - Carers: Able to care for their dependant and pick up casual shifts when in times of financial need - Travellers: Individuals who enjoy travelling are able to pick up some shifts, terminate the position and move on at a moment’s notice |
Permanent, temporary/contract
Work Pattern: Contract/Temporary
Definition
A contract is an agreement to perform a task at a certain rate of pay. A contractor can work either for themselves or others. Companies may choose to strategically hire temporary contractors to boost productivity for certain periods of the year. Temporary workers are those workers only employed for a certain period of time, usually for the duration of a project or based on the funds available
Definition
A contract is an agreement to perform a task at a certain rate of pay. A contractor can work either for themselves or others. Companies may choose to strategically hire temporary contractors to boost productivity for certain periods of the year. Temporary workers are those workers only employed for a certain period of time, usually for the duration of a project or based on the funds available
Advantages
- If earning enough, the contractor can pick and choose the contracts they take up - Working with new people all the time makes it interesting - Paid for every single hour work, allowing them to earn more than some permanent workers |
Disadvantages
- Generally ineligible for benefits - Updating skills must be done on own time - Lack of job and income security |
Suitability
- Young people out of uni/TAFE: The higher rate of pay and lack of other commitments allows them to be free to take up this work (e.g. tradespeople) - Parents with networks: The higher pay rate is beneficial to families but without benefits the parent’s network or partner will need to assist if the worker is injured or sick |
Self-employed
Work Pattern: Self-Employed
Definition
A self-employed worker is an individual who owns and operates his or her own business. A self-employed individual may be someone like Mark Zuckerberg, who operates a large-scale business, a tradesman who works for himself or the owner of a corner store.
Definition
A self-employed worker is an individual who owns and operates his or her own business. A self-employed individual may be someone like Mark Zuckerberg, who operates a large-scale business, a tradesman who works for himself or the owner of a corner store.
Advantages
- Control over time spent working - Can offer tax advantages - Control over holidays |
Disadvantages
- Uncertain income due to uncontrollable markets: rain affects builders - For large businesses time off could result in a productivity and earnings loss - Responsible for all banking and financial matters |
Suitability
- Parents with partners: With the partner’s perhaps assured income the second income, while unstable, would only enhance the family’s standard of living - Single men and women: with more time to devote to work and few commitments they can make the business thrive - Young adults: Some young people are able to start up their own online store selling items e.g. online quality hand-made jewelery |
Shift work
Work Pattern: Shift Work
Definition
A shift worker must work for a period of time around a 24-hour clock.
Definition
A shift worker must work for a period of time around a 24-hour clock.
Advantages
- Rarely travel in peak traffic - Can use shops and social facilities when they’re less crowded - Allows parents to split childcare duties between shifts |
Disadvantages
- Disrupts body clock patterns which can lead to digestive or insomnia problem - Public facilities such as the doctors and the RTA may not be available around shifts - Workers may resort to unhealthy stimulants such as coffee, cigarettes and energy drinks to stay awake |
Suitability
- Young adults: can work irregular shifts and have time for recovery with few disturbances - Parents with partners/support networks: the support can care for the child while the parent works a night shift, allowing them to attend school functions such as assemblies during the day - Adults: Adults with no children are able to work these shifts with only some of their social life as sacrifice |
Voluntary
Work Pattern: Voluntary Work
Definition
Voluntary work involves performing a task or choosing to give your time to a not-for-profit organisation or project
Definition
Voluntary work involves performing a task or choosing to give your time to a not-for-profit organisation or project
Advantages
- Benefits the community and the less fortunate - Education about social injustice - Once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as the Olympic or Commonwealth games |
Disadvantages
- No financial benefits - Not covered by award conditions - May not gain recognition for the work performed |
Suitability
- Retirees: Will have time to give back to the community while supporting their social wellbeing - School students: May gain valuable life skills while giving back to the community - Parents: May be able to get involved on weekends through their children’s schools, such as the Red Shield Appeal |
Seasonal
Work Pattern: Seasonal Work
Definition
Work that is available at certain times of the year each year is known as seasonal work. It may be in part due to the weather (fruit picking) or cultural celebrations (mall santa)
Definition
Work that is available at certain times of the year each year is known as seasonal work. It may be in part due to the weather (fruit picking) or cultural celebrations (mall santa)
Advantages
- There are different kinds of seasonal work all throughout the country - Allows individuals to earn extra money for certain periods of time throughout the year |
Disadvantages
- Work can be intensive, repetitive and hard - In some cases, there is little to no protection from the weather aside from self bought protection - There is little opportunity for career development |
Suitability
- Single People: Allows individuals to meet new people and experience new things - Uni/TAFE students: Work can be completed in the holidays and is not too strenuous on the mind - Elderly: As it is only over certain periods of the year and does not require much labour in some cases the elderly can suit these jobs |
Working remotely
Work Pattern: Working Remotely (Away from Home)
Definition
Working away from home for a period of time (this period of time and the destination may change) may include short business trips, fly-in fly-out situations (mining), deployment for the armed services, or assignments/contracts (Olympic Games Coverage)
Definition
Working away from home for a period of time (this period of time and the destination may change) may include short business trips, fly-in fly-out situations (mining), deployment for the armed services, or assignments/contracts (Olympic Games Coverage)
Advantages
- Travel costs are paid for - Time off is longer than a two-day weekend, allowing for social and family time - No need for permanent relocation, allowing individuals and families to remain within formed networks |
Disadvantages
- Time spent travelling is draining - Time away from family can put relationships under stress - The time spent working is long and laborious, which can take a toll on physical health |
Suitability
- Young Males: Without family commitments the well paying job with plenty of time off is suitable for them - Families: In good family situations, the long time off is beneficial to familial life |
Work Pattern: Working Remotely (Away from the Office)
Definition
Working regularly from a place other than the office. It may use technology to connect to colleagues and a working environment. This may include working from home and connecting to the office via tools such as the internet and Skype
Definition
Working regularly from a place other than the office. It may use technology to connect to colleagues and a working environment. This may include working from home and connecting to the office via tools such as the internet and Skype
Advantages
- Save on daily transport or office rental - Save on work clothes - Advances in technology have made telecommuting easier |
Disadvantages
- May reduce access to staff training, development and promotion - Computer viruses and breakdowns may halt productivity - Social contact with others is minimal |
Suitability
- Parents: More time can be spent with children with no travel time - New Mothers: Allows new mothers to re-enter the workforce but still care for their newborn, breastfeed and flexible hours allow for rest. - Physically Disabled: Those with a physical impairment that hinders movement and therefore travel to an office will find home work best |
Others