Human resources and job design

HR Job Design

Included in the solution for Deere were several different tools and machines. Pads were added to the hand tools to better protect the workers. Some new hand tools were introduced as well. A part manipulator machine was installed at the start of the assembly line. A hoist was introduced to lift mower decks. A new lift table was also installed. This reduced the need for manual lifts to those under 40 lbs.

Overall, the improvements at Deere involved the introduction of machinery to handle many of the tasks that caused injury. The most important of these were the lifting injuries, and the use of new machinery has reduced the weight that workers will need to lift. Also addressed were the injuries caused by awkward hand positions. Part of this was alleviated through workspace design; the remainder of the solution came from new tools and pads.

There are several job related characteristics that I find motivational. One is achievement. I enjoy seeing tasks completed and knowing that I made a strong contribution to that completion. This gives me a strong sense of achievement in my work. A job reward that I find motivational is praise. I enjoy when my bosses notice my hard work and my contributions to the team. This makes me feel like I am truly a part of the team, and am a valuable member of the company. Ancillary to this is promotion, which is a strong form of recognition of my talents. I truly believe that the opportunity for promotion is the single most motivating factor in my work, as it is a reward not only for achievement but also illustrates management's recognition of my efforts. Thus, promotion is something that I view as both the most important motivator and the most important reward.

These rewards and motivators are important to me because they appeal to my higher order needs. I am fairly well satisfied with respect to my lower order needs, and will be with most positions in which I find myself. Work for me is not only a creative outlet but also an opportunity to showcase my skills. As a result of this, I view work less as a means to earn a paycheck -- which I take as a given -- and more as a means for me to attain higher levels of satisfaction. Recognition, promotion and achievement all fill these higher order needs.

3. The Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) has been set up by the Department of Labor to "assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women." The organization assists businesses in several ways. It provides informational resources regarding workplace health and safety. It also writes and enforces safety standards. For businesses, there is technical assistance with safety issues and consultation programs to help businesses understand the regulations and how to make their workplaces safer.