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Work Intensification, Discretion, and the Decline in Well-Being at Work

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  • Francis Green

    (Department of Economics, University of Kent)

Abstract

Data from three representative British surveys are used to show that there has been a decline in the overall level of job satisfaction and a rise in the extent of work strain. The rise in work strain is associated with work intensification, while the fall in job satisfaction is associated partly with work intensification but also with the declining amount of discretion that workers have in their daily tasks. Work intensification may have come to a halt after 1997, however. The paper also confirms a link between computerized or automated jobs and high work effort.

Suggested Citation

  • Francis Green, 2004. "Work Intensification, Discretion, and the Decline in Well-Being at Work," Eastern Economic Journal, Eastern Economic Association, vol. 30(4), pages 615-625, Fall.
    • Handle: RePEc:eej:eeconj:v:30:y:2004:i:4:p:615-625
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    File URL: http://web.holycross.edu/RePEc/eej/Archive/Volume30/V30N4P615_626.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Gallie, Duncan & White, Michael & Cheng, Yuan & Tomlinson, Mark, 1998. "Restructuring the Employment Relationship," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198294412.
    2. Green, Francis & McIntosh, Steven, 2001. "The intensification of work in Europe," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 8(2), pages 291-308, May.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Job Satisfaction;

    JEL classification:

    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy

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