The main function of job design is to create alterations in the ways in which employees

function in the workplace in order to enhance their enthusiasm for the work they perform and
increase job satisfaction which in turn, increases productivity. There are 4 main approaches to the
creation of job design, the first being, design for efficiency or job engineering. These terms
simply refers to the expected standards of performance and the methods by which these
standards are met. Technology is a major aspect of this approach; computers and all other forms
of technology must be reliable and up to date and all workers must be proficient in their use and
comfortable and confident in their abilities to use them.
Design for motivation or job enrichment involves the designation of more duties to
workers. These duties should allow employees to gain a sense of greater responsibility and
accountability which in turn increases employee confidence, making tasks and duties more
enjoyable so they are completed with interest and enthusiasm. Job enrichment also increases the
effort of employees to work together as a team. It is a vertical restructuring method in that it
gives the employee additional authority, autonomy, and control over the way the job is
accomplished (Business Dictionary, 2010).
Design for safety and health or ergonomics, refers to products, applications or particular
tasks which are designed to lessen fatigue which may occur due to poor lighting, improperly
designed work stations, excessive fluctuations in room temperature etc. It is extremely important
for business leaders and managers to be aware of any of these unfavorable conditions and to
correct them immediately in order to assure his or her employees are comfortable and are not
being harmed during their efforts to complete tasks.
Finally, design for mental capacity refers to the need for employers to understand the
special needs of individuals who are elderly and/or those who have disabilities, either physical or

mental. Special technology need to be available for individuals who may have sight or hearing
problems, displays on computer monitors should be adjustable to suit the needs of those who
need magnified text and special aids should be accessible to workers who have deficits in
hearing. Managers need to consider carefully each employees physical capabilities, mental
skills, organizational competence and capacity for learning before inviting an employee to take
on an enriched job. Forcing more on employees than they are capable of handling will likely hurt
the business and frustrate the employees (Erven, n.d.).

References
Business Dictionary. (2010). job enrichment definition. BusinessDictionary.com - Online
Business Dictionary. Retrieved November 7, 2010, from
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/job-enrichment.html
Erven, B. (n.d.). Designing jobs that motivate and challenge employees. Ohio State Edu.
Retrieved November 7, 2010, from aede.ag.ohio-state.edu/people/erven.1/HRM/Job
%20design%20Kansas%20Labor%20Conference%201-03.pdf