Job design determines what work is done and how it is organised and performed. Job design takes the total work environment and work management practices into account when making decisions about an individual position. This worksheet asks a series of questions on aspects to consider in designing a job – the Design Elements – then links each aspect to the position description – Reference in Position Description. Design Elements Reference in Position Description
Job Purpose
Why is this job needed?
• What is this job doing for the organisation? • How does the job add to the total capability of the work area? • Is it a generalist or specialist role? • How often is the job needed? • How long is it needed for? • Could the work be dispersed to other positions or discontinued? The environment
Primary purpose of the position
Organisation environment Key challenges and influences
How does the environment impact on the job? How does the job impact on the environment? Does the job fit the organisation’s culture?
• What is the operating environment like in the work area? In the organisation? • Do priorities, technology, resourcing, stakeholder requirements change often? • What are the political, industrial and other sensitivities? Job activities
Do the tasks form a coherent whole job with varied capability requirements? Is this a satisfying job for the employee?
• What tasks or work activities does the job need to do? • How often do the activities/tasks need to be done? • Is there travel involved? How frequently? How will this impact on the individual and the team? • What is the likely volume of work? • Is the work varied? Routine? Challenging? Boring? • Is there an element of planning and discretion in the job? • Will meetings be a significant part of this job? • Is there management and collegial support for the employee?
Key outcomes/ accountabilities
April 2011
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Design Elements
Reference in Position Description