Job enrichment is a technique used in the workplace where employees are given the opportunity to use their varied skill set. It’s considered a vertical structuring method simply because the employees are given more responsibility and freedom over the decision-making process. Some companies may turn their heads at job enrichment, but it’s an incredibly effective technique for building stronger, more dependable employees.

The Origin of Job Enrichment

The concept of job enrichment was first invented by psychologist Frederick Herzberg in the 1950s. Herzberg was a genius in the sense that he discovered a unique technique for building more efficient companies. His job enrichment concept was broken down into two different factors – motivational and hygiene. Motivational factors were things like recognition awards & gifts, healthcare and job security, while hygiene factors were standard elements in the workplace. By combing the two, companies could take advantage of job enrichment and the benefits it offers.

The 3 Steps of Job Enrichment

According to Herzberg, there are 3 main steps to achieving job enrichment in the workplace. The first step is to turn the employee’s efforts into performance. Far too many workers go through the usual daily work routine without ever noticing what they’ve accomplished. As a result, they aren’t fully engaged in their position. You can prevent this from happening by setting achievable goals for employees to strive for. Keep these goals out on display where they are easily seen.

The second step in job enrichment is rewarding employees for their hard work and dedication. Let’s face it, only a fraction of employees receive any type of bonus or reward for going above and beyond the call of duty. When employees are rewarded for their hard work, they’ll be more willing to push themselves in the future. After setting goals for your employees, go back and tack rewards to them.

The third and final step is to ensure your employees actually want to receive their rewards. So, how exactly are you supposed to accomplish this? For starters, you should choose appropriate rewards. Avoid the generic “ham of the month club” and opt for more personalized rewards instead. For instance, a personalized trophy or wall plaque is the perfect way to convey your appreciation for employees’ hard work. Another idea is to reward employees with gift cards for meeting a certain sales goals or quota. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box when it comes to the rewards.