When good roles go bad: How HR can design Smart jobs (part three)

Summary

In this article, Rob Baker discusses the importance of Smart work design and how HR leaders can create energising and engaging roles for employees. He reflects on his own experience of taking on a role that lacked the necessary elements to promote satisfaction and success. The article introduces the Smart model, which proposes five critical elements for good job design, intending to help HR professionals understand and improve the work environment for individuals.

Source: HR Magazine

Key Points

  • Smart work design is crucial for creating roles that energise and engage employees.
  • The Smart model consists of five essential ingredients: Stimulating, Mastery, Autonomy, Relational, and Tolerable demands.
  • A lack of any of these elements can render even attractive-sounding roles draining and disengaging.
  • HR can actively diagnose job roles and integrate Smart principles into performance reviews and check-ins.
  • The model promotes proactive role design to curb burnout and foster thriving workplaces.

Why should I read this?

If you want to understand how to create a work culture that not only keeps employees engaged but also nurtures their growth, this article is a must-read! Rob Baker’s insights on the Smart model will help you rethink your approach to job design and improve workplace satisfaction—saving you the hassle of trial and error.