December 7, 2004
University of Waterloo
We are in the process of creating accessible versions of the materials for this event. Please check back soon for presentations and videos.
Presentations and videos
- Introduction
- Effect of job rotation on work demands, workload, recovery, musculoskeletal health and sickness absence: The Dutch experience
- Under what conditions should one implement job rotation?
- Job rotation and the risk of reporting low back pain
- Labour perspective
- Business perspective
- Case study: Schneider Foods Inc.
- Case study: Cami Automotive
- Case study: Yorkville Sound
Summary
Job rotation, together with the development of job variety and job enlargement, is a common strategy of organizations from the point of view of workplace health and the improvement of productivity. But what do we know about it? There are still many questions that need to be asked: Is job rotation a way of preventing musculoskeletal disorders and disabilities (MSDs)? Does job rotation lead to increased job satisfaction or quality or productivity? Are there disadvantages of job rotation?
This workshop considered workplace organizational factors, working conditions, and the organizational benefits of job rotation, and how they relate to the prevention of MSDs in industry. These questions presented the opportunity to participate in an exchange of views and discussion.
The morning was dedicated to presentations from researchers who have studied the effects of job rotation with responses from business and organized labour. The afternoon began by case studies from organizations that have had experience with job rotation. Attendees then broke into small, interactive discussion groups. They shared their experiences: the reason for adopting job rotation, their experiences, and their perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages.