Job Enrichment

What is Job Enrichment?

Job enrichment is a method of organizational management used to create job satisfaction and motivation among employees by giving them new and exciting tasks, responsibilities and allowances for growth within their current jobs. This philosophy emphasizes the need for employees to be engaged, autonomous, and skilled by offering tasks that are more purpose-oriented and fulfilling. Usually, job enrichment entails the delegation of an employee with increased autonomy in task execution, broader skill development and training, and a higher level of participation in decision-making activities. Through an increase in job roles, organizations have the opportunity to lift spirits, morale and satisfaction, thereby creating a professional environment that is seamless, low on turnover, and very productive.

Example

An illustration of job enrichment would be the granting of permission to a customer service representative to handle escalated customer complaints personally instead of simply following the set guidelines for responses. The role becomes more exciting and rewarding as the representative gains the authority to make decisions and address the complex issues. Moreover, the representative may be provided with extra training on conflict resolution and be motivated for successfully settle complicated situations with additional incentives. On the other hand, this not only works on the employees' sense of responsibility and autonomy but also benefits the customers with faster and more efficient problem-solving. Ultimately, job enrichment in this example brings about higher job satisfaction, increased motivation and good performance of the employee and the organization not only.