Flexible working

Question 1

What is flexible working

Answer 1

When working hours/patterns are adapted to suit employees

Used as an attractive prospect to highly skilled workers

Question 2

Types of flexible working

Answer 2

Flexi time; decide when to work around set number of hours

Compressed hours; employees work set number of hours over fewer days

Annual hours; work number of hours over the year but choose when, not school holidays

Job sharing; 2 people with 1 job

Home working

Question 3

Advantages of flexible working

Answer 3

Improves motivation; productivity should improve as they can work when they can get the most done

Helps employees with children or disabled

Question 4

Disadvantages of flexible working

Answer 4

Can be impractical for businesses that need to serve public in normal working hours

Home workers may be easily distracted

Job sharing can lead to confusion over responsibilities and unequal workload