The author of this article reflects on the question of how academics can increase the joyful and holistic nature of their work, in other words, how to shift from disenchantment to enchantment in the academy. The author argues that this shift is cultivated daily, not only in the "action" and "doing" portion of their work but in…

After finishing her undergraduate degree in English, the author's first employment was in an academic department at her alma mater. At a large public state institution, the salary scale for non-academic appointees was--and remains--woefully low. Knowing that monetary compensation wasn't the source of staff satisfaction, her chairman made a…

The decision to leave a successful career and great earning potential to start over as a novice with new surroundings and expectations is not made without consideration of a wide array of variables. Making the transition to higher education was not an easy one and the transition itself has presented various other challenges and joys that I have…

In this essay, the author explains how teaching assistant (TA) unions work to the benefit not only of the graduate students who are their members but also of the writing programs that employ them. While university administrations understand unions to be bothersome at best and forces of evil at their worst, unions are essential to the maintenance…

Examines the experience of worker participation and finds that the tendency is for such programs to weaken unions and limit workers' power in significant ways. (JOW)

Cites the advantages of working in the office rather than working at home and telecommuting: discipline, structure, and social interaction, as well as office supplies and working equipment. Suggests that the drama of meetings and the social interactions are important parts of work life. (JOW)

Discusses why it is difficult to sustain employee involvement (EI) processes and examines strategies for renewing EI efforts that appear to be fading. (JOW)

International Labour Organization (ILO) standards for decent work promote social justice and humane working conditions. These standards can contribute to sustainable development, macroeconomic security, and fairer distribution of benefits from growth. The ILO is working for policy integration and promotion of international labor standards as a…

Nonwage characteristics of jobs play a role in employment decisions. Workers often trade wages for job security, status, and other job attributes. (JOW)

A bakery foreman states that employers need (1) a sustained standard of living; (2) job security; (3) creativity; and (4) dignity in work. He suggests that foreman must find ways to increase productivity while treating employees as individuals. (SK)

The way that the concept of culture has been used in the higher education literature to account for certain aspects of faculty life is examined. Culture is defined as the collective, mutually shaping patterns of norms, values, practices, beliefs, and assumptions that guide the behavior of individual faculty and groups and provide a frame of…

Provides a framework of analysis for determining whether workers' nonmonetary interests regarding the workplace are taken into account during the process of economic development. Argues for including attention to workplace quality and mechanisms for worker voice as a requirement for meaningful work. (JOW)

Discusses satisfaction and issues pertaining to job retention among college faculty of color. Considers their satisfaction in environments where they are a minority, their perseverance and survival in tenure and promotion, reactions to a nonsupportive environment, and specific factors contributing to job satisfaction. Concludes that faculty of…

The deterioration of the quality of work and the resulting impact on workers are of increasing concern. Those being prepared for entry into the workplace can also be prepared for the context and condition of work. (SK)

To address the sources of stress in academic life requires an understanding of the multiple worlds within which faculty work and which create the complex tapestry of their lives. The use of short-term and long-term strategies can help faculty gain more control over the elements in their lives. (MLW)