NOTRE DAME OF TALISAY CITY

GRADE LEVEL: 9 MODULES: 10

SUBJECT: CHRISTIAN LIVING WEEK: 10
TOPIC: Keep Up the Good Work: The Value and Dignity of Work
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OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the learners should able to:
1. Define the dignity of work.
2. Record the rights of the workers.
3. Evaluate the essence of work.
LESSON PROPER:
Keep Up the Good Work: The Value and Dignity of Work
“The basis for determining the value of human work
is not primarily the kind of work being done,
but the fact that the one doing it is a person.”
– Laborem Exdrcens 6,4

As students, we have done our share of working mostly at home and in school. Work contributes to our
development as a person and in the formation of our character. However, the way one works influences the kind of
person that he or she becomes and the development of his or her values. We can be honest or dishonest when we do
our homework, cooperate in group activities or be indifferent, or do excellent work or come up with a mediocre output.
Work must be an opportunity for use to express and improve our dignity as individuals.
WORK MAKES A HUMAN BEING: THE DIGNITY OF WORK
What Is Work?
Work is defined as an “activity in which one exerts strength or faculties to do or to perform something”
(Merriam-Webster). Work can be manual or intellectual, and paid or unpaid. It is human activity that involves persons in
their totality. When we work, we use our talents, exerts effort, devote our time, and use some material things.
Dignity of Work
Work is an integral part of human life. The value of human work and the basis for the dignity of work rest on the
person. It is the human person who gives dignity to work. People gain happiness and a sense of well-being from work.
The dignity of labour is the philosophy that all types of jobs are respected equally, and no occupation is
considered superior and none of the jobs should be discriminated on any basis. Regardless of whether one’s occupation
involves physical work or mental labour, it is held that the job deserves respect. (Wikipedia)”Work honors the gifts and
talents that God has given to each one of us”.
Two Dimension of Work
In Laborem Exercens, Saint John Paul II identifies the following as the two dimensions of work:
1. Objective dimension- It is the sum of activities, resources, instruments, and technologies used by men and
women to produce things. This refers to the external aspects of work which are the means and the product or
outcome of our work.
These are classified into:
a. The goods produced- product, machines, tools, programs, and technology.
b. The services rendered- planting and harvesting, teaching, cooking, beauty parlor services (haircut, manicure,
and pedicure), doctors curing their patients, janitors cleaning rooms.
The skills and knowledge that are important in producing an output are also part of the objective dimension.
2. Subjective dimension- is concerned with the inner results of work, with its impact on the dignity of the human
person and his or her own capacity for personal becoming and full human flourishing.

We work for our good and the good of our community. As a

student, studying is considered our primary work. We study not
because our parents or the society dictate that we have to go to
school but because we are personally convinced that studying is for
our learning and development. The value of our work as a student is
measured not only in terms of the grades that we get but also in how
the learning process contribute to our maturity to become
responsible, wise, and other-centered.
Why Do We Have To Work?
As students, the work that we basically do is connected to our education. We have to study because we are not
only preparing ourselves for the future but we are also developing ourselves as humans. We are working to
become better individuals.
Workers or laborers have rights that need to be promoted and respected. These rights help the workers
enhance and express their dignity as humans through the work that they do.
Rights of Workers
1. Right to Rest. We all need rest. It is absolutely essential.
Seven or eight hours of sleep every night will keep us healthy.
Those who work need to rest to regain their strength. Rest
uplifts the dignity of workers. When we are given time to rest,
we feel that we are appreciated.
2. Right to a safe Workplace. Employers must ensure the safety
of their employees at the workplace. The workplace must
provide an environment befitting a human person. Provisions
for ventilation, adequate lighting, wash rooms, and protective
gear are some of the things an employer must provide to employees. All precautions must be done by the
employer so that the employee will be protected from any injury or illness that may arise from the work and
the workplace.
3. Right to Association. Workers have the right to form and join organizations usually called labor or trade
unions. Labor unions stand between the workers and the government in order to defend the workers’ right.