What is Quality of Work Life (QWL)?
Quality of Work Life or QWL connotes the degree to which the work life of an individual adds to the material as well as psychological well-being. It has a great impact on the employee’s productivity. Simply put, it is the overall quality of the work environment at an organization, considering its workforce. It presents concerns for the human aspect.
Quality of work life is an umbrella term which covers the positives and negatives of every aspect of an individual’s work, such as job security, safety, rules and policies, working conditions, incentives and rewards, working hours, interpersonal relationships, work culture and climate, growth prospects, etc.
Table of Contents
Determinants of QWL
- The ones which influence the significance of a specific need of an individual
- The ones which fulfil or frustrate that need.
Principles of Quality of Work Life (QWL)
N.Q. Herrick and M. Maccoby have propounded four principles of Quality of Work Life.We are going to discuss them here: 
- Principle of Security: An organization cannot improve the quality of work-life if its employees are not confident about job security, i.e. they must be free from the anxiety, fear and loss of a job due to any reason, predictable or unpredictable. It should work on making the organization safe for the employees and eliminating the fear of economic want.
- Principle of Equity: The principle of Equity states that there must be a clear and lineal relationship amidst efforts and rewards. An organization must not discriminate between employees when they are doing the same work and at the same level of performance. If an employee is working hard and better than the other, the management must reward and promote him/her. Credit and appreciation should be given to the employees when it is due.
- Principle of Individualism: It is a fact that every individual is different, and so does their capabilities, attitudes, competencies, skills, expertise, etc. Hence, opportunities must be given to every individual working in the organization to groom their personality and potential. Along with that, fair chances are given to all the employees to show their abilities.
- Principle of Democracy: It involves delegation of authority and responsibility to the employees. When employees get an opportunity to participate in the organization’s decision-making process, they feel connected and important to the organization, which automatically improves the quality of work life.
It has been scientifically proven that when the quality of work-life is good, the employees will be healthy and happy, both physically and psychologically.
Must Read: Employee Orientation
Scope of Quality of Work Life
Quality of work life (QWL) is a multifaceted phenomenon. Its scope describes the expectations of the employees that need to be satisfied. These are explained hereunder:
Compensation
The compensation paid by the organization for the work should be more than the minimum standard for life. Further, the compensation should be just and fair, i.e. equivalent to the work performed.
Health and Safety
The working conditions should be safe in terms of all the hazards which cause harm to the health and safety of the employees. An ideal work environment has standard working hours, cleanliness, risk-free work, proper lighting and sanitation facilities, etc.
Job Security
Security of the job must be present because if that is lacking, then the employee will be in constant fear for their future stability and settlement, with respect to the work and income.
Job Design
Job design should be such that it can fulfil the needs of the organization as well as its employees in the sense that it meets the production requirements of the organization while providing satisfaction and interest in work to the employees. Further, the job should provide sufficient freedom and control and timely feedback on performance.
Social Integration
The development of a sense of identity in the employees is necessary with regard to the organization. For this purpose, the elimination of discrimination is important. Also, the employees should be motivated to work in teams and groups. By doing so, they will be able to connect and work in cooperation and coordination with one another.
Social Relevance for Work
Work not just fulfils an individual’s psychological and material needs. Rather, it also leads to social welfare. An organization can only improve the quality of work-life when it gives due weightage to the social aspects.
Better Career Opportunities
The company’s management must offer facilities to the employees to sharpen their skills and increase their existing knowledge base. This will help them understand their complete potential. The management must optimally utilize their human resource for the expansion and development of the concern.
Must Read: Fatigue
Importance of QWL
- It results in more positive feelings towards oneself, i.e. greater self-esteem. Also, it develops positive feelings for the job and the organisation as well.
- QWL also leads to improved physical and psychological health.
- There will be higher growth and development of the employee as an individual and as a productive member of the firm.
- There will be decreased absenteeism and turnover. The number of accidents will also reduce.
- The quality and quantity of output of goods and services will be high.
Must Read: Employee Grievance
Wrap Up
The QWL programme intends to develop a job environment in which the employees work in cooperation with one another. Along with that they make efforts to contribute to the achievement of organizational objectives. Moreover, it helps in developing a positive attitude towards the work and the organization
