News and Events | Work Design Research

Enhancing Proactivity in the Workforce - Presentation in China

Nov 29, 2018

Enhancing Proactivity in the Workforce - Presentation in China

Professor Sharon Parker joined other international speakers in China this week to give a keynote presentation on how leaders can enhance the proactivity of their workforce. She presented at the 3rd Annual Organizational Behaviour / Human Resources Symposium hosted by the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), Shanghai. Photo: Welcome Address from Weijiong Zhang, Vice President and Co-Dean, CEIBS Sharon described how leaders can foster employees' proactive motivat

The Taboo Workplace Topic that Threatens the Careers of Nearly Half of Mature Workers – Organization

Jul 30, 2018

The Taboo Workplace Topic that Threatens the Careers of Nearly Half of Mature Workers – Organization

As industries and governments across Australia and around the world grapple with how to best meet the needs of an ageing workforce, one factor is silently derailing the careers of millions of older workers. While accommodations and work redesigns could save these workers’ jobs, the topic has historically been too taboo to discuss in the workplace. The quiet career killer is menopause, and according to a recent ABC News story from Ruth McPhail, its associated symptoms can make

FIFO workers Mental Health at the Black Swan Theatre Company

May 23, 2018

FIFO workers Mental Health at the Black Swan Theatre Company

The Centre for Transformative Work Design’s Dr Laura Fruhen participated in a panel discussion on FIFO work at the State Theatre last week. The panel brought together experienced FIFO worker and mum Megan Harrison, Ngala Community educator Stephen Gallagher, and People solutions Director Mark Greenwood. It was lead by the Black Swan artistic director Clare Watson. The discussion covered various aspects and views on FIFO work and Dr Fruhen contributed her perspective based on

3 Ways to Setup Your Headspace at Work: The Case of Entrepreneurial Co-working

Nov 6, 2017

3 Ways to Setup Your Headspace at Work: The Case of Entrepreneurial Co-working

Where you do your work impacts how you do your work, and entrepreneurs are no exception. In fact, workspaces are changing with new options to rebel against cubicles and make the workplace more efficient, creative, and productive. New isn't always better and for people with control over their workspace, it's important to make a well-informed choice. The open, multi-use spaces of entrepreneurial co-working spaces, like HQ Raleigh and Spacecubed in Perth's CBD, are beautiful exa

Work Design in the Media - Reflections from PSYC5515 Students

Sep 29, 2017

Work Design in the Media - Reflections from PSYC5515 Students

UWA's PSYC5515 (Organisational Development and Work Design) students were challenged to apply work design principles to media pieces - this could include news articles, movies, or even public lectures such as TED talks. Media sources included in the reflection pieces by our students were very creative, and it was an interesting exercise for students to apply work design principles to areas which they would usually never have thought of. See below for the winning essay by Maya

Time for Uber to redesign it's work practices?

Sep 26, 2017

Time for Uber to redesign it's work practices?

Transport for London (TFL) has said that it will not be renewing Uber London's private hire operator license due to "public safety and security implications". These include bad practice around reporting serious criminal offences, obtaining medical certificates, and driver background checks. With regards to the latter, particular concern stems from the use of 'greyball software' which prevents authorities making background checks. Uber may offer the cheapest fares possible for