1. Why do we need to work? Work is any activity that requires effort, either physical or mental. People work for different reasons and these can be divided into ‘have to’ reasons and ‘want to’ reasons. People have to work . . . For money so that they can buy the things they need to live, such as food, clothing and accommodation. Earning money from work is especially important if you have a family that depends on you for fi nancial support. For people who are unemployed or cannot work, social welfare payments provide a modest level of income that covers the most basic needs.
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People want to work . . . To put their skills to good use and feel personally satisfi ed. To help others and make the world a better place. To make friends and have an interesting social life. To keep busy, otherwise they would get bored.
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LO 2.3 2. What are the different types of work? Employment
Voluntary Work
Unemployment
Employment Employment is any work undertaken for payment. If you cook a meal at home for your family, that is classifi ed as work. However, if you have a paid job in a restaurant and cook meals for customers, then that is classifi ed as employment.
An employee is a person who is employed in paid work. An employer is a person or organisation that pays the employee for the work done.
People can be employed in different work areas. The main areas are: (a) Clerical work This requires working in an offi ce answering telephones and emails, typing documents, photocopying, etc. Examples include secretaries, offi ce administrators and receptionists.
