Human wellbeing: decent work’ key element

Abstract

Well-being is a general objective of public interest that has been reflected in the values of the modern State (based on rule of law and known as Welfare state) since the dawn of the 20th century. The concept has been incorporated into various human rights Declarations and Pacts, as well as into labour law (both national and international).

Well-being seeks to guarantee the dignity of the individual, which in the world of work is reflected in what the International Labour Organization (ILO) has defined as Decent work. This concept, adopted by the Organization in 1999, is inclusive and constantly evolving, and its implementation requires combining aspects relating to rights, employment, protection and dialogue into a whole. It is also a goal, a framework for defining and implementing policies, a method of organizing activities and programs, and a platform for partnership with other entities.

The changes experienced by society and this broad definition of Decent work are reflected in the ILO’s own activities, text and programs over the last 25 years, where health and general well-being (individual and social) are seen as its fundamental objective. Evidence of this can be seen in the International Standards adopted during this period, which demonstrate the changes and relevance of this evolution. The incorporation of healthy and safe working conditions into fundamental rights at work is the most obvious example.

The world has evolved and faces great challenges, and only a shift in focus towards guaranteeing well-being through decent work can lead to social peace and, ultimately, social justice.