Job design is the process of establishing employees’ roles and responsibilities. Its main purpose is to optimise work processes to create value and maximise performance. But, it’s also a key element in creating good quality jobs which benefit both workers and employers.

This factsheet examines job design and its links to work motivation and job quality. It looks at the principles of job design, the role of job analysis and assessing job quality.

On this page

Members access only

Unlock exclusive, tailored content and resources, just for members.

Sign in to access

Not a member yet? Find out how you can become a member today!

This factsheet was last updated by Jake Young: Research Associate, CIPD

Jake’s research interests cover a number of workplace topics, notably inclusion and diversity. Jake is heavily involved with CIPD’s evidence reviews, looking at a variety of topics including employee engagement, employee resilience and virtual teams.

 

CIPD Trust

Tackling barriers to work today whilst creating inclusive workplaces of tomorrow.

Find out more

Bullying
and harassment

Discover our practice guidance and recommendations to tackle bullying and harassment in the workplace.

View our resources

Related content

Report
Resourcing and talent planning report

Trend analysis and benchmarking data on recruitment, retention and talent management to inform HR and employers on practice considerations and decision-making

Explore our other factsheets

Factsheet
Business partnering

Learn why organisations use business partnering, how it’s implemented and how it can shape successful relationships across the organisation.

Factsheet
Personal relationships in the workplace

This factsheet looks at the policies and procedures employers can put in place around relationships in the workplace, to mitigate risks to the business and their employees

For Members
Factsheet
Pay fairness and pay reporting

Find out what's meant by fair pay, what pay information UK employers must disclose by law and the opportunities pay narratives bring.

For Members
Factsheet
Organisational climate and culture

Discover why organisational culture is an influential but problematic term, and why employers should focus on organisational climate to more readily enact positive change

For Members
Factsheets