'Just Design' Recognizes Good Labor Practices
Joey Haar — May 17, 2017 — Art & Design
References: justdesign.us & fastcodesign
Architecture is a notoriously grueling industry, and 'Just Design' is a new activist organization looking to improve upon that reputation.
While in grad school, future architects routinely pull all-nighters in order to complete projects and designs. This hardly abates in the professional world, where architecture firms either explicitly or implicitly expect their staff to work 14-hour days and be constantly available via email. It goes without saying that these practices lead to stress and unhappiness for architects. Just Design hopes to push out this toxic work philosophy through a method with which architects are very familiar: self-regulated certifications.
Just Design offers a certification process through which architecture studios and firms can prove the quality of their labor practices. Firms must be nominated by employees, and the certification assures traits like flexibility, employee agency, fair pay, salary transparency, employee diversity, and family-friendly policies.
While in grad school, future architects routinely pull all-nighters in order to complete projects and designs. This hardly abates in the professional world, where architecture firms either explicitly or implicitly expect their staff to work 14-hour days and be constantly available via email. It goes without saying that these practices lead to stress and unhappiness for architects. Just Design hopes to push out this toxic work philosophy through a method with which architects are very familiar: self-regulated certifications.
Just Design offers a certification process through which architecture studios and firms can prove the quality of their labor practices. Firms must be nominated by employees, and the certification assures traits like flexibility, employee agency, fair pay, salary transparency, employee diversity, and family-friendly policies.
Trend Themes
1. Employee-friendly Architecture - Opportunity for architecture firms to prioritize employee well-being and work-life balance through flexible work policies and fair pay.
2. Self-regulated Certifications - Potential for self-regulated certifications in other industries to promote positive labor practices and improve employee satisfaction.
3. Activist Organizations - Emerging trend of activist organizations advocating for improved work conditions and fair treatment in various industries.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Architectural firms have the opportunity to disrupt the industry by adopting employee-friendly policies and seeking 'Just Design' certification.
2. Human Resources - Opportunity for HR departments and professionals to explore self-regulated certifications to ensure fair labor practices and employee satisfaction.
3. Design Consulting - Design consulting firms can differentiate themselves by prioritizing employee well-being and offering family-friendly policies to attract top talent.
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