diff --git a/rq/compat/__init__.py b/rq/compat/__init__.py
index 3095983..7565835 100644
--- a/rq/compat/__init__.py
+++ b/rq/compat/__init__.py
@@ -65,13 +65,23 @@ if not PY2:
         return dict((as_text(k), h[k]) for k in h)
 else:
     # Python 2.x
-    text_type = unicode
+    def text_type(v):
+        try:
+            return unicode(v)
+        except Exception:
+            return unicode(v, "utf-8", errors="ignore")
+
     string_types = (str, unicode)
 
     def as_text(v):
         if v is None:
             return None
-        return v.decode('utf-8')
+        elif isinstance(v, str):
+            return v.decode('utf-8')
+        elif isinstance(v, unicode):
+            return v
+        else:
+            raise Exception("Input cannot be decoded into literal thing.")
 
     def decode_redis_hash(h):
         return h
diff --git a/tests/fixtures.py b/tests/fixtures.py
index 031a0e2..9173989 100644
--- a/tests/fixtures.py
+++ b/tests/fixtures.py
@@ -27,6 +27,11 @@ def say_hello(name=None):
     return 'Hi there, %s!' % (name,)
 
 
+def say_hello_unicode(name=None):
+    """A job with a single argument and a return value."""
+    return unicode(say_hello(name))
+
+
 def do_nothing():
     """The best job in the world."""
     pass
diff --git a/tests/test_worker.py b/tests/test_worker.py
index f337400..02c6aa6 100644
--- a/tests/test_worker.py
+++ b/tests/test_worker.py
@@ -452,6 +452,20 @@ class TestWorker(RQTestCase):
         self.assertEqual(job.result, 'Hi there, Adam!')
         self.assertEqual(job.description, '你好 世界!')
 
+    def test_work_log_unicode_friendly(self):
+        """Worker process work with unicode or str other than pure ascii content,
+        logging work properly"""
+        q = Queue("foo")
+        w = Worker([q])
+        job = q.enqueue('tests.fixtures.say_hello', name='阿达姆',
+                        description='你好 世界!')
+        self.assertEqual(w.work(burst=True), True,
+                         'Expected at least some work done.')
+        job = q.enqueue('tests.fixtures.say_hello_unicode', name='阿达姆',
+                        description='你好 世界!')
+        self.assertEqual(w.work(burst=True), True,
+                         'Expected at least some work done.')
+
     def test_suspend_worker_execution(self):
         """Test Pause Worker Execution"""