Fix the Work, Not the Worker

But what if we can’t change the job?

“We can’t change the job". It’s something we hear often, especially in sectors like healthcare, logistics, call centres, or education. The core tasks are locked in, the role is tightly defined, and there’s little room to shift responsibilities.

But work design isn’t just about tasks. It’s about how tasks, activities, responsibilities and relationships are organised. Structure matters as much as content and even when the work itself can’t change, we often still have room to move.

Work Design Is More Than Tasks

Too often, work design is mistaken for changing what people do. But it’s just as much about how work is organised: how responsibilities are arranged, how teams and people communicate and interact, and how systems support people to do their jobs.

Structure matters as much as content. And when we look at structure, there’s usually something we can influence.

What We Can Still Influence

Even in roles where the core tasks can't be changed, we can often make changes to:

• Autonomy and decision-making: Giving workers more say in how they approach tasks

• Role clarity and expectations: Ensuring people know what’s expected and where boundaries lie

• Peer support and communication: Strengthening relationships, collaboration, and team connection

• Rotation of tasks: Providing variety or balance in core tasks

• Feedback loops and learning: Building in reflection and development opportunities

  
  

Small Shifts, Big Impact

These might seem like small tweaks, but they matter and can influence:

• Stress and psychological health

• Motivation and morale

• Engagement, satisfaction, and retention

You don’t always need a full restructure to make work more sustainable. Sometimes, the biggest gains come from the smallest shifts.

The Bottom Line

When we say “Fix the work, not the worker,” we’re not asking for a complete job redesign. We’re encouraging organisations to look beyond task lists and to consider how the work and responsibilities are structured.