Job Enlargement

What is Job Enlargement?

Job Enlargement is a job design strategy that increases the number of tasks or duties assigned to a role to make work more varied and reduce monotony.

Key Takeaways

• Job Enlargement increases task variety to reduce boredom.
• It does not add more authority or complexity—only additional duties.
• It can improve employee motivation and reduce repetitive strain.

Understanding Job Enlargement

Job Enlargement focuses on diversifying an employee’s daily activities to create a more engaging work environment. It is commonly used in operational and administrative roles where tasks may become repetitive.

By increasing the range of tasks, companies aim to make jobs more interesting, improve morale, and reduce turnover. However, it must be implemented carefully to avoid overwhelming employees with additional duties without proper support.

Job Enlargement differs from Job Enrichment, which adds depth, responsibility, and autonomy rather than just additional tasks.

Formula (If Applicable)

There is no formula, but the process typically includes:

1. Identifying repetitive or narrow job roles.
2. Adding relevant tasks of similar difficulty.
3. Training employees on new duties.
4. Monitoring job satisfaction and performance.

Real-World Example

In a customer service center, an employee who typically handles inbound calls may also be given responsibility for email inquiries. This broadens their workload and reduces repetition while staying within the same skill level.

Importance in Business or Economics

Job Enlargement helps organizations:

• Improve motivation and employee engagement.
• Reduce monotony-driven turnover.
• Create more flexible roles that adapt to operational needs.
• Increase productivity through task variety.

It also supports lean operations by enabling employees to handle a wider set of tasks.

Types or Variations

• Horizontal Enlargement: Adding tasks at the same responsibility level.
• Skill-Based Enlargement: Expanding tasks that require new but similar skills.
• Team-Based Enlargement: Broadening responsibilities across team processes.

Related Terms

• Job Enrichment
• Job Rotation
• Job Design

Sources and Further Reading

• SHRM — Job Design Practices
• HRM Academic Journals
• Organizational Behavior Textbooks

Quick Reference

• Adds task variety without increasing responsibility.
• Reduces boredom and supports motivation.
• Works best with proper training and workload balance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)