The Good Jobs Institute, established by MIT Sloan’s Zeynep Ton, is dedicated to enhancing frontline jobs and overall company performance. According to Ton, the institute aims to reshape the narrative around successful companies and the significance of employees within organizations. One example of the institute's impact is demonstrated through the story of Tim Simmons, the chief product officer at Sam’s Club. During a club tour in 2019, when pay increases were announced, employees were deeply moved, with some shedding tears of relief. Many reported no longer needing to work second jobs, illustrating the profound effect of the institute's strategies on employee's lives.
The process of collaborating with companies typically entails a two-day kickoff workshop that is attended by administrators and frontline managers. This workshop initiates discussions on the detrimental effects of the current operational model, emphasizing the need for change. The Good Jobs framework, consisting of operational pillars such as simplification, empowerment, cross-training, and investing in people, guides companies in envisioning alternative systems that prioritize employee well-being and productivity. Significant reductions in employee attrition, ranging from 25 to 52 percent, have been reported by companies that have implemented this strategy, in addition to significant enhancements in productivity and sales.
