Job design is the process of structuring roles to meet operational needs while ensuring safety, compliance, and appropriate classification.
Legislation: Related to Work Health and Safety; Modern Awards | Category: HR Management
What is Job Design?
Job design is the process of structuring roles to meet operational needs while ensuring safety, compliance, and appropriate classification under industrial instruments. Good job design considers physical and psychosocial hazards, award classification, productivity, and employee capability.
From an employment law perspective, job design affects award classification and pay rates, rostering and hours obligations, work health and safety compliance, and performance expectations. Changes to job design may trigger consultation obligations and affect existing arrangements.
Key Compliance Points for Employers
- Role duties directly affect award classification — design roles with classification in mind
- Consider psychosocial hazards such as workload, job demands, and control when designing roles
- Position descriptions should accurately reflect actual duties for compliance and performance purposes
- Significant changes to roles may constitute major change requiring consultation
- Job design should allow for reasonable adjustments for employees with disabilities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Job Design?
Job design is the process of structuring roles to meet operational needs while ensuring safety, compliance, and appropriate classification.
Why is Job Design important for employers?
Understanding job design helps employers comply with Australian employment law, avoid penalties, and maintain fair workplace practices.
