When I started Productivity Inc. Press in 1979, quality of work life (QWL) was a very popular symbol for American unionism. Unions wanted workers to have a quality of work life, however, I don’t believe they understood what quality of work life really meant. The unions wanted workers to have a very good salary, decent working conditions, good health, and retirement benefits. Unfortunately, they didn’t understand what really makes a quality of work life. Sure, the benefits are important; sure, giving the workers a decent wage was important; but quality of work life is much more.

Whenever I keynote a conference, I ask the attendees, “What is your favorite day of the week.” Almost everyone immediately says, “Friday.” Why Friday? What makes Friday so special? Obviously, Friday comes before the weekend and everyone looks forward to having the two days off. Why? Why don’t people get up each day excited about going to work? On Monday morning, why don’t they say TGIM (thank God it’s Monday)? What is missing at work that really represents quality of work life?

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