Job enlargement is one of the four approaches that assume that by structuring work activities, you can increase productivity or motivation. This method is known as job design. The way work is distributed among individual employees and how much wiggle room and variety the activity allows, influences the subjective value employees assign to this work. This increases the likelihood that they will do the task for their own sake (because they actually want to do it) and therefore strengthens intrinsic motivation.
Job enlargement aims to motivate employees by giving them variety in their work. Individuals work on a combination of different activities. The opposite of job enlargement is job simplification. Employees specialize in a standardized task that they perform repeatedly – including, for example, assembly line work. Machine-executable tasks experience increased productivity. People who work in these monotonous environments suffer more often from work-related illnesses and are generally less motivated.
Job rotation is often used in apprenticeships and internships. The employees change their activity at regular intervals. This gives them a holistic picture of a company. This method is also intended to prevent exhaustion, especially during physical activities.
Job enrichment is a suitable method for particularly determined employees. They see the value of their work when they feel like they are striving for something great. By giving them more responsibility, they feel more valued and challenged. Those who do less when they are underchallenged may flourish with additional tasks.
These methods enable a targeted workplace and a good work structure. The following methods will concentrate on leadership styles. These are the most important building blocks for positive employee development: