Dimensions and prevalence of decent work in Australia

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG8) focuses on decent work and economic growth. It promotes decent work for the benefits it provides to individuals, businesses, investors and the economy. At the business level, these benefits include improved productivity, strengthened organisational capability, increased innovation and reduced expenses. For large and diversified asset owners, decent work also has systemic benefits including supporting economic demand and productivity, reducing reliance on social security and alleviating pressure on public health systems.

But what is decent work, and how should it be defined and measured? Commissioned by HESTA, this report proposes that decent work and precarious work exist on opposite ends of a spectrum and that decent work is multi-dimensional – consisting of dimensions of job security, work conditions, work stress and flexibility.

Using data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey, the report tracks trends in decent work in Australia over time, how the dimensions of decent work have contributed to these trends, and how decent work varies by industry and demographics.

Click here for the Dimensions and prevalence of decent work in Australia appendix.