Low Job Control
Low autonomy raises stress risks. Find out how to manage low job control hazards in your workplace.
Having little control or say over the work or aspects of the work including how or when the job is done.
Low job control is a psychosocial hazard that can occur when workers have little or no say in how their work is done. This can lead to feelings of stress, frustration, and boredom, which can have a negative impact on workers’ health and well-being.
Overall it refers to a workers agency and autonomy in how they do their work, the control over their schedule and breaks, work location and work hours.
Low job control in isolation is not a hazard, however combined with other factors such as job demands and support over an extended period of time may lead to a psychosocial hazard.
Find out more about autonomy in the workplace.
Let’s Look at an Example
Jo works at a suicide support call centre, her shifts include overnight work and she works 10 hour shifts, and is mandated to come into the office. Jo has no control over the volume calls coming in or her break times, over time she starts to feel more fatigued and overwhelmed from the calls.
Risk Factors For Low Job Control
Some of the risk factors for low job control include:
- Working in a highly structured or bureaucratic environment
- Having little or no say in work tasks or decision-making
- Doing repetitive or monotonous work
- Experiencing high levels of stress
- Having poor relationships with supervisors or co-worker
Consequences
Low job control can have a number of negative consequences for workers, including:
- Increased stress levels
- Reduced job satisfaction
- Increased turnover
- Increased absenteeism
- Increased health problems, such as heart disease, anxiety, and depression
Control Measures For Low Job Control
There are a number of control measures that can be used to reduce the risk of low job control, including:
- Giving workers more autonomy and decision-making power
- Providing workers with opportunities for training and development
- Creating a more flexible work environment
- Promoting positive relationships between supervisors and co-workers
- Providing workers with support services, such as counseling and stress management programs
Related Psychosocial Hazards
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