Decent work in Switzerland: Context, conceptualization, and assessment

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to adapt the Decent Work Scale (DWS; Duffy et al., 2017) and extend the research on the Psychology of Working Theory (PWT; Duffy, Blustein, Diemer, & Autin, 2016) within the Swiss context. The results indicated that the Swiss French, German, and Italian versions of the DWS are valid measurements. We then tested PWT predictors and outcomes of decent work. Work volition fully mediated the negative link between unemployment, quantitative job insecurity and low education, and decent work. Perceived social class and qualitative job security predicted decent work with partial mediations through work volition. Work volition and decent work predicted job and life satisfaction. With the exception of age and social class, work volition or decent work fully mediated the relation between predictors and outcomes. Qualitative analyses on an open-ended question showed that the perceived components of decent work covered both the PWT dimensions of decent work and the needs that work is expected to satisfy. These findings highlight the pertinence of using the DWS and applying the PWT in Western and prosperous countries, such as Switzerland.