changes in working practice Flashcards
(15 cards)
example’s of flexible working
flexi-time
shift work
home working
part-time working
job sharing
temporary working
multi-skilling.
what is multi skilling?
This involves businesses
training their workforce to be able to work
effectively across a wide range of tasks
Advantages of multiskilling
This offers a greater degree of
flexibility. No longer do manufacturing
businesses have to wait for a specific
tradesperson to come and fix a fault – it
can be done by the production staff who
have been trained to spot and resolve
problems with machinery.
☑ Multi-skilled employees are likely to be
better motivated and change will be
far easier to implement with a flexible
workforce.
What is job sharing?
The splitting of an existing job to enable two people to share it.
Benefits of job sharing
Able to retain employees who otherwise may leave if
unable to go part time – maybe an experienced and
valued member of staff.
☑ Meets employee request, keeps them happy and well
motivated – performance may suffer if they had to
stay full time.
☑ Somebody in place for at least part of the time if
that staff member is on leave or ill – an element of
continuity.
☑ The business may gain from ideas of two people
though in this case may be limited scope for this kind
of input.
Disadvantages of job sharing
Administration costs for training another employee.
☒ Communication between the two employee who are
job sharing may breakdown on occasions – leads to
less continuity and possible inefficiency.
☒ The business will have to communicate same
information to two people – scope for errors.
What is a zero hour contract?
This type of contract means that an
employee has to be available for work but is not
guaranteed any work.
Benefits of a zero hour contract
This provides employers with total flexibility.
If the employer is busy, those on zero-hours
contracts may find that they are on nearly full-time hours.
Drawbacks of a zero hour contract
If demand for labour falls, employees may find
themselves sent home.
☒ Employees on these contracts have virtually no
income security at all.
What is hot desking
Hot-desking cuts down the need for office space
– if a business has a sales team that spends little
time in the office, supplying permanent desks for
the team is a waste of resources.
☑ It is supposed to allow greater innovation and
encourages new networks to be established in the
workplace.
What is temporary employment?
Employment for a specific period of
time, for example six months to cover maternity
leave.
Some temporary work is arranged through employment agencies, which provide employees to employers who are seeking employees with specific skills for a set period of time.
advantages to employers for changing working patterns
Greater workforce flexibility and productivity.
Cost savings from reduced absenteeism, remote work, and part-time roles.
Easier to meet fluctuating demand and cover busy periods.
Access to a wider range of skills and experiences.
Disadvantages for employers for changing working patterns
Harder to manage, train, and coordinate flexible or part-time staff.
Risk of lower staff loyalty and quality from temporary/peripheral workers.
Communication and teamwork may suffer due to inconsistent availability.
May increase costs in equipment and recruitment.
Advantages for Employees(me)
More control over schedules improves work-life balance.
Reduced commuting time and costs.
Easier to manage personal appointments.
Flexible work and multi-skilling enhance job satisfaction and career prospects.
Disadvantages for employees (me)
Potential for lower pay and limited promotion opportunities.
Feelings of isolation, lack of structure, or reduced job status.
Difficulty building strong working relationships.
Temporary contracts offer less job security.
