Kathmandu— The quality of work has declined in recent years, with gig work and increased surveillance becoming common. This article proposes a new approach to addressing the issue of alienation in the workplace by focusing on intrinsic motivation, autonomy, and the nature of work itself. The author suggests that good jobs should provide ample pay, benefits, and opportunities for skill development, while also offering a sense of purpose and social connection.

Intrinsic Motivation and Autonomy

The article emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation, distinguishing between extrinsic and intrinsic factors that influence job satisfaction. Extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards and punishments, while intrinsic motivation is derived from the inherent value of the work itself. The author argues that autonomy, participation, and representation are key elements in creating a more fulfilling work environment. Autonomy allows workers to control their work, while participation and representation ensure that workers have a voice in decision-making processes.

Workplace Governance and Intrinsic Benefits

The article discusses the importance of workplace governance in fostering intrinsic benefits. It highlights the need for a balance between freedom, participation, and representation. Freedom involves minimizing supervision and hierarchical authority, allowing workers to control their work. Participation involves shared decision-making, which can be facilitated through cross-training and horizontal communication. Representation involves workers selecting representatives to participate in firm-level decision-making, such as through unions or works councils.

Addressing Alienation and Inequality

The article critiques Marx's theory of alienation, arguing that it oversimplifies the issues at hand. The author suggests that workers can bring themselves to the job and that the quality of work can be improved through engagement and agency. The article also discusses the trade-offs between good extrinsic and bad intrinsic features, noting that there is no simple correlation between job quality and alienation. The author calls for specific workplace improvements, such as those seen in the European Union's directive on European Works Councils, as a step towards de-alienating work.

The article concludes by emphasizing the need for broad-based movements to improve work conditions incrementally and systematically in the future.

(With inputs from Jacobin)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.