n an ideal world, everyone would do their dream job. Unfortunately, that’s not always possible. What we can do, however, is make our work more enjoyable and fulfilling. That, in essence, is the main goal of job crafting – a concept that applies to any professional role and acts as a driving force for real, positive change.
Discover what job crafting means, how it works and explore a few practical examples. It may be the ideal alternative for those thinking about changing jobs and for companies aiming to boost employee satisfaction.
The meaning of job crafting
The foundation of this theory began to form in the late 1980s, but the term "job crafting" was coined in 2001 by American psychologists Amy Wrzesniewski and Jane E. Dutton. So, what does job crafting actually mean? The word comes from the union of job and to craft (to shape or mould). In practice, it means adapting one’s role to align with personal strengths or new ambitions.
Over the years, many studies have validated job crafting’s effectiveness. As well as helping to bridge the gap between employees and organisations, it also works well for the self-employed, especially those feeling uninspired by their daily tasks. It’s no surprise that job crafting is used in a wide range of professional environments, from global corporations to small businesses.
How to apply job crafting
You don’t need to overhaul your entire job to practise job crafting. Small changes that bring tangible improvements for yourself, the company and your colleagues are often enough. Most of the time, the process begins with the individual, but it is often companies – via HR teams and managers – that encourage and facilitate these changes.
There are many ways to apply job crafting, and it’s important to highlight that every employee can explore different approaches. Support from employers through workshops, training sessions, coaching or other initiatives helps keep the conversation open and constructive.
The benefits
When applied effectively, job crafting delivers a range of benefits, particularly for the person in the role. More broadly, it can lead to:
- Greater employee retention
- Improved productivity
- Happier, more satisfied staff
- More autonomy in day-to-day tasks
- Enhanced skills development
- Better relationships among colleagues
Examples of job crafting
One of the key strengths of job crafting is its flexibility. It doesn’t rely on rigid rules but can be tailored to suit various emerging needs. There are, however, three main types of job crafting:
Task crafting
This is the most common form and doesn’t require changes to formal responsibilities. Instead, it involves small adjustments – such as managing time more flexibly or using different techniques. For example, an office worker handling paperwork might ask to work at the public service desk instead. Or a supermarket cashier may request to take on warehouse duties.
Relational crafting
This type focuses on improving interactions with colleagues to foster a more positive and productive work environment. It includes habits and initiatives such as having lunch with teammates or organising shared social activities on set days.
Cognitive crafting
Cognitive crafting involves changing the way one thinks about their job, developing a more constructive mindset. This is especially valuable in roles that may feel unrewarding over time. A classic example is that of street cleaners. While the work is physically demanding, recognising its social value as a community service can help enhance job satisfaction.
Boost employee wellbeing with Coverflex
As we’ve seen, job crafting can lead to minor or major transformations in the workplace. If you run a business and want to align your goals with increased employee satisfaction, consider adopting a strategy that puts people first while also delivering tax savings.
Offering a comprehensive benefits package can support all types of job crafting. With meal vouchers, employees can enjoy lunch together and build better relationships. To enhance skills, they can take training courses at no cost. Or they might feel more personally appreciated through shopping vouchers.
How can this be done? The answer is simple – with an innovative corporate welfare solution like Coverflex. You can activate it online in just a few minutes. Choose the plan that suits your company best and receive rechargeable Coverflex Voucher Cards to distribute to your team. Employees can then access a wide range of goods and services from numerous participating partners.
Want to find out more? Discover how Coverflex Wallet works in practice.
