How would you define sustainable work in the field of 'knowledge work'?
My work so far incorporates the following elements as parts of
sustainable work definition.
- co-operation vs. competition
- trust
- restorative, repairing dignity
- searching for meaning
- creatively looking at alternatives involving constant change
- creative - as a process of energy motivating change through design,
- learning/mentoring built upon knowledge sharing
- expressive - symbolic of meaning and values of the society/individual
- access to resources of space, people,tools(technologies),information vs.
the idea of possession of resources
Sustainable work is an integrative practice based on ecological principles
that blends the social/creative/individual/environment with work behavior
(as in healthy practice).
Sustainable work incorporates qualities of significance/meaning,
expressive of the individuals values, ideals, where
roles are constructed within a social community of co-workers.
Sustainable work is related to sabaticals - time off to explore, search
for meaning, as a process of constructing identity through a time of/for
rest, reflection for transformation; restorative of dignity through
balance.
Meaning/significance is culturally constructed expressed through symbols,
artifacts,actions, motivations/intent. Ideas, knowledge is constructed,
contributed, shared in a partnership that constructs roles & identity in a
relationship that is balances of effort, energies.
Sustainable work is related to softwork. Softwork is informal work
practices that occur in informal work settings/environments.
Any other suggestions/comments/help is much appreciated.
Deborah
