Decent work status in large and medium-sized organizations: managerial perspectives

Purpose This paper aims to assess the decent work (DW) status in Nepalese workplaces. Design/methodology/approach It follows a descriptive-interpretative-qualitative method to assess the DW status. Primary data were gathered through discussions with 98 higher- and middle-level managers from large and medium-sized organizations. Findings Analysis of managerial perspectives reveals that key indicators of DW in the Nepalese workplace include health and safety, quality of management and leadership, right to work, social security, representation at work, social dialog, meaningfulness of work and workplace equality. Furthermore, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified concerns around job opportunities, job security, adequate earnings and social security. Both employers and government agencies are seen as pivotal in promoting DW. Compliance with national laws and international legal frameworks greatly contributes to the creation and enhancement of DW status. Research limitations/implications The study focuses solely on the opinions and views of managerial-level employees. While viewpoints from union officials could provide a more comprehensive understanding, their remarks are not considered in this study. Practical implications This study could be an eye-opener for policymakers, businesses and/or companies, managers and academic researchers to participate proactively and intensively in examining the DW issues in Nepal. Originality/value This study offers a contextual analysis of DW in Nepal, identifying its key indicators and proposing policy measures for promoting a better status of DW in the country.