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Good and Fair Work

The health benefits of good work extend beyond working-age adults to their children, wider social network and communities

​Research has shown that good work improves health and wellbeing and has benefits for employees and employers.

Improving employee health and wellbeing can improve productivity as well as help to reduce sickness absence and reduce workplace injuries and the associated costs of both.

  1. What is 'good' work and what makes 'good' work?
  2. Scotland’s recognition of good work - the Fair Work Framework

2. Scotland’s recognition of good work - the Fair Work Framework  

Fair Work will become a hallmark of Scotland’s workplaces and economy. The Scottish Government’s vision is that by 2025, people in Scotland will have a world-leading working life.

Driving success, wellbeing and prosperity for individuals, businesses, organisations and society, will contribute to a strong Scottish economy and inclusive growth.

The Fair Work Convention was established in 2015 to provide independent advice to Scottish Ministers. Its remit is to drive forward fair work in Scotland, which supports the broader, fundamental principles of good work, and it developed a Fair Work Framework to support this.

The Fair Work framework

The Fair Work Framework sets out what fair work means in Scotland. The framework is comprised of five dimensions

  • effective voice – having a say at work and being listened to can improve the experience of work as well as improve organisational performance
  • security – security of employment, work and income are important foundations of a successful life for all
  • opportunity – Fair opportunity is more than the chance to access work. It includes having the right attitudes, behaviours, policies and procedures within organisations. The outcomes these produce reflect the value placed on fair opportunity
  • respect – Fair work is work in which people are respected and treated respectfully, whatever their role and status. Respect at work is a two-way process between employers and workers
  • fulfilment – Workers who are fulfilled in their jobs are more likely to be engaged, committed and healthy.

The Scottish Government has outlined awards and resources that can support businesses to demonstrate a commitment to fair work. These are

The Scottish Government’s Fair Work Convention’s document - Fair Work Framework 2016 provides more information on the vision for Fair Work in Scotland and provided links to the Fair Work Action Plan.

Go to the Fair Work Framework

Case studies

Good work includes family friendly approaches to work. Family Friendly Working Scotland have case studies which show how good work practices allow workers to contribute positively to their families, their communities and wider society.