(introduction...)

Welfare facilities are an essential part of good working conditions. During the working day, a worker needs to drink water or some other beverage, to eat meals and snacks, to wash his hands, to visit the lavatory, and to rest and recover from fatigue. Changing rooms and special work clothes may also be necessary.

Good welfare facilities contribute not only to the welfare of workers, but also to production and better relations. If workers are denied facilities to meet their needs, problems will eventually result.

The cost of welfare facilities is usually lower if the enterprise provides them than if workers pay for them individually. Repair and up-keep of welfare facilities is often ignored but very important.

This chapter gives examples of provision of these basic facilities. It shows how enterprises can help workers at low cost. The examples range from sanitary facilities and provision of drinking water and canteens to recreational and other facilities. All of them were reported to have had very favourable effects on workers and on production.