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How to Be a Better Human

How to make every job a good job (w/ Zeynep Ton)

Nov 11, 2024
Zeynep Ton, Professor at MIT Sloan and co-founder of the Good Jobs Institute, dives into the concept of 'good jobs' and their societal importance. She argues that fair pay and better working conditions for low-wage frontline workers lead to greater productivity and satisfaction. Zeynep rethinks the narrative around service sector jobs, urging companies to create fulfilling roles. Her insights reveal the profound impact of supporting workers on individual well-being and overall business success.
34:31

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Fair pay and predictable scheduling are essential for empowering workers and improving their quality of life.
  • Investing in frontline workers through better compensation and working conditions leads to increased productivity and enhanced customer satisfaction.

Deep dives

The Nature of Good Jobs

A good job must meet the minimum requirements of fair pay and predictable scheduling to allow workers to have agency in their lives. Many workers, particularly in the service sector, experience low wages and unstable hours that make it difficult to provide for their families and plan their lives. Research shows that millions of Americans hold low-wage jobs, often characterized by inadequate pay and erratic schedules. This situation highlights the need for companies to acknowledge that quality employment is essential for worker satisfaction and performance.

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