Good work

During difficult economic times, the point of view that 'any work is good work' tends to hold sway for the very compelling reason that unemployment is damaging. Yet recent studies have shown that 'bad work' is even worse for physical and mental health than unemployment. As employers and as a society, we need to take a view on the kind of work that we aspire to create, sustain and defend.

From a customer perspective, good work delivers high-quality products at a fair price and ensures transparent and customer-centred service. Values of co-production, innovation and sustainability reinforce customers’ positive perception of the organisations they encounter.

From a business perspective, good work is productive and efficient, aims to involve and engage employees and to encourage their contribution to organisational success. It is based on a sound business model, sustainable over the long term, which ensures the organisation builds a reputation for integrity and respect.

Being passionate about making UK society thrive in this challenging, fast-changing global context, we are launching a campaign for every organisation in the UK to become a good work organisation. Together with consumer groups and the world’s leading experts on the future of work we will assess organisational commitment to good work and the values they espouse internally and externally.