Definition
Speedup is a term used to describe the practice by employers of increasing the work output or productivity of their employees without a corresponding increase in wages. This practice is often employed to improve efficiency and profitability, particularly in industries and companies where maximizing output is crucial. Speedup can manifest in various forms such as tighter deadlines, increased workloads, or the introduction of new technologies intended to make work more efficient.
Examples
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Manufacturing Plant: In a factory setting, speedup might involve increasing the speed of production lines without hiring additional staff or increasing wages. Workers are expected to keep up with the accelerated pace, potentially leading to higher stress levels and fatigue.
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Call Centers: In call centers, speedup can occur when employees are required to handle more calls per hour than before, sometimes by reducing break times or eliminating downtime between calls, all without corresponding pay raises.
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Software Development: In the tech industry, speedup may involve developers having to complete more code or projects in shorter timeframes without any additional compensation or benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What industries are most affected by speedup?
Speedup can be found in a variety of industries including manufacturing, customer service, retail, healthcare, and technology.
2. What are the potential impacts of speedup on employees?
Speedup can lead to increased stress, burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and higher turnover rates. It may also result in lower quality of work due to the pressure to complete tasks quickly.
3. Are there any legal protections against speedup practices?
Labor laws vary by country, but in some jurisdictions, there are regulations to protect workers from excessive workloads that do not come with appropriate compensation. Unions can also play a role in negotiating fair work practices.
4. How can employees cope with speedup?
Employees can seek support from coworkers, engage in open communication with management, join or form unions, or look for positions in companies with better work-life balance policies.
5. Why do companies implement speedup?
Companies may implement speedup to stay competitive, reduce operational costs, or respond to increased demand for their products or services.
Related Terms
- Stretchout: Similar to speedup, stretchout involves increasing the workload of employees but is more commonly used in contexts where workers are required to complete more tasks during their current working hours without additional compensation.
- Work Creep: The gradual increase in workload that often goes unnoticed until it becomes substantial over time.
Online Resources
- National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) - Resources and regulations regarding labor rights and fair work practices.
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Guidelines on workplace safety which may intersect with speedup concerns.
- The Balance Career: How to Deal with an Increased Workload - Practical tips for managing increased workloads.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Working for the People?: Democracy and the Future of the Public Service” by Charles T. Goodsell - A look at labor practices within public services.
- “The Overworked American: The Unexpected Decline of Leisure” by Juliet B. Schor - An analysis of overwork and its effects on American workers.
- “Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America” by Barbara Ehrenreich - A first-person account of the working conditions faced by low-wage workers in America.
Fundamentals of Speedup: Employment Practices Basics Quiz
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