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AOM 2019 PDW: Worker Experience: Improving the Quality of Work-life through Human-Centeredness

  • 1.  AOM 2019 PDW: Worker Experience: Improving the Quality of Work-life through Human-Centeredness

    Posted 07-30-2019 20:52

    Hello everyone!

    How do we get the most out of the people who work for us?  Management consultants are asked this question every day.  We work with clients wrestling with creating quality of work life, understanding what drives engagement, and preparing for the future of work.  At the same time, researchers examine these constructs for the growing number of voices seeking answers. Come join an immersive workshop led by 3 practitioner-scholars where we:

    • Re-define the nature and influence of the physical environment on workers' work styles and patterns;
    • Evaluate the demographic and psychographic effects on worker well-being by re-examining worker identities and pre-dispositions;
    • Determine the influence of information and communication technology resources on work behavior and work logistics.

    Details are below.  We look forward to seeing you there!


    PDW Information
    Worker Experience: Improving the Quality of Worklife through Inclusive Human-Centeredness
    Friday, Aug 9 2019 10:00AM - 12:30PM at Sheraton Boston Hotel in Hampton AB
    Carol M. McGuire PhD, Miami U.
    Branka V. Olson PhD, Woodbury U.
    Angela C. Crawford PhD, Thomas more U.

    Background
    Labor productivity is perceived as a leading indicator of economic growth.  Yet, according to the International Labor Organization, world labor productivity has been declining since the 2008 global financial crisis.  Despite best efforts by organizations, worker engagement, a proven predictor of firm performance in the US knowledge workforce, remains a mere 33% according to Gallup.  Why?  We believe in part that the focus on output growth does not consider the Quality of Work Life (QWL) of the worker populations.  QWL is a reflection of worker happiness and well-being and is measured by understanding the factors that impact the Worker Experience (WX) of their work environment.  It's urgent we understand QWL through the lens of the worker in the digital economy given workforce diversity, automation of work, and distributed work models.  We posit that the elements of WX are found in organizational culture (relations), context (workspace), and connectivity (technology). 

    Workshop
    In this workshop, attendees will explore three extents related to QWL: (a) the societal factors that contribute to WX (b) the dimensions of (WX) in knowledge work organizations, and (c) a model that illustrates the structural organizational changes required to support the QWL work environment.

    Why Attend?
    Workshop attendees will benefit from a highly interactive, cross-disciplinary exchange of ideas led by three subject matter experts representing the fields of human relations, design, and technology.  At the conclusion, attendees will receive a copy of the Worker-centered Framework along with five model - based tactics they can use in practice or to further their own research.  



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    Carol McGuire
    Assistant Teaching Professor
    Miami University (OH)
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