It could be part of the answer to the retention, development and performance challenges of the post-pandemic working world. Job crafting is a self-initiated process of changing one’s job to make it more engaging and meaningful. The term was coined by Jane E Dutton and Amy Wrzesniewski in 2001. Their research across a range of occupations, including blue- and white-collar work, in different sectors and sizes of organization, led them to identify three primary forms of job crafting.
Task crafting refers to altering the type, scope, sequence and number of tasks that make up a job. An example is given of Candice, a housekeeper at a university hospital, who reframed her work as a form of healing. She paid extra attention to tasks that could help patients recover more quickly and formed relationships with patients and their families.
Relational crafting means changing the people one interacts with. Rachel, a consultant, built deeper connections with colleagues. She arrived early to meetings, got to know about people’s interests outside work, and used her positive demeanor to lift the energy in teams.
Cognitive crafting focuses on modifying one’s interpretation of tasks and work. Jake, an employee at a personal care products manufacturer, sought personal connection in a job that lacked interpersonal interaction. He engaged with equipment engineers, joined a sustainability group, and took on responsibilities related to onboarding new team members.
Those three approaches make job crafting a hugely valuable approach in today’s context, where individuals have increasing responsibility for their own work experience. There are challenges to be considered, such as ensuring alignment to corporate goals and required outcomes. But, by intentionally redesigning their jobs, employees can bring new meaning to their work. As employers continue to wrestle with retention issues, allowing people to craft to their work could make the difference between good and outstanding results.
Perry Timms is founder and chief energy officer of PTHR, a consultancy aiming to create better business for a better world. He is a TEDx speaker, top-selling author, and number one on HR Magazine’s 2022 Most Influential Thinkers list.