Piecework

Piecework is a system of employment where workers are paid a fixed rate for each piece or unit of work they complete. This contrasts with hourly wages or salaried positions. The pay is directly tied to the quantity of output, incentivizing speed and efficiency. While piecework can lead to higher earnings for productive workers, it can also pressure them to work quickly, potentially compromising quality or safety, and it can result in less reliable income if demand fluctuates. It has historical roots in manufacturing, and some modern sectors, like garment or construction, still utilize it.

Piecework meaning with examples

• The seamstress thrived under the piecework system. She could earn a comfortable living by rapidly assembling clothing, making her income directly proportional to the number of garments produced. However, she had to constantly maintain a swift pace to maximize earnings, which could be exhausting.
• Contractors often employed a piecework model for tasks like laying bricks. The laborers received a set amount per brick placed, encouraging them to complete as much work as possible during a shift. The speed of work often outpaced the supervision, leading to variations in the quality of the work, which the manager would check before payment.
• In the old days, coal miners worked piecework and were compensated per ton extracted. The harsh environment of the mines drove them to find new and often unsafe shortcuts to maximize production, despite the risks the environment presented to their personal health.
• During the industrial revolution, piecework helped to rapidly develop the manufacturing industry. The focus on efficiency, however, meant workers sacrificed breaks, often leading to poor labor conditions. This system was very productive but frequently led to poor worker safety and low-quality products.
• The freelance writer took on a piecework assignment. They were paid per article, which motivated them to produce a high volume of content, and they could work from home. The flexibility was appealing, though the inconsistent workload made budgeting tricky.