9.6 - Individuals and work: The nature of work

Question 1

The nature of work

Answer 1

• Work gives us identity
• Energy directed towards a goal
• Earning money by labour

Question 2

Reasons people work

Answer 2

• To meet specific needs
• Economic
• Status and Value

Question 3

Reasons people work

To meet specific needs

Answer 3

To support ourselves and family needs, we need a stable income.

ASL: Can be satisfied by giving an individual money for health, food, shelter and clean water.
Health: Allows individuals to access health insurance.

Question 4

Reasons people work

Economics

Answer 4

Many people work in order to pay off their debts, which can include a mortgage or rental payment, etc.

Question 5

Reasons people work

Value and Status

Answer 5

Value:

• May value work for the satisfaction and self esteem they gain from it and/or the lifestyle they are able to create.
• Work provides economic resources.

Status:

• The level of employment, such as CEO, Manager, and assistant.
• The level of decision made on behalf of others
• How much an individual earns.

Question 6

Labour force concepts and terms

Answer 6

• Labour force
• Employed full time
• Employed part time
• Employed/unemployed
• Participation rate

Question 7

Labour force concepts and terms

Labour force

Answer 7

All people who are working or are able to work:

Question 8

Labour force concepts and terms

Employed

Answer 8

All persons aged 15 or over who during the working week:

• Work one hour or more per week during the working week for either direct or indirect payment in a job.
• Work one hour or more per week without payment (Family circumstances).

Question 9

Labour force concepts and terms

Unemployed

Answer 9

All persons aged 15 or over who do not work however are searching and are available.

Question 10

Labour force concepts and terms

Employed part/full time

Answer 10

Part: Those working fewer than 35 hours per week.

Full: Those working more than 35 hours per week.

Question 11

Labour force concepts and terms

Participation rate

Answer 11

The labour force expressed as a percentage of the entire population

Question 12

Patterns of work

Answer 12

• Full time, part time, causal
• Jobshare
• Shift work
• Seasonal
• Voluntary
• Permanent, temporary/contract
• Self employed
• Working remotely
• Other

Question 13

Patterns of work

Full time, part time, casual

Answer 13

FULL TIME:
- Consists of more than 35 hours per week.
- Entitles employees to a minimum of four
weeks of annual leave per year, sick leave, long-service leave and parental leave.

PART TIME:

• Part-time work is permanent employment.
• Work less than 35 hours per week.
• Receives all the entitlements of full-time employees on a proportional or pro-rata basis.

CASUAL:

• Work on an hourly or daily basis for which they are paid an extra loading on top of the normal rate.
• Paid extra to compensate for the lack of usual benefits, such as sick leave or annual leave.

Question 14

Patterns of work

Job share

Answer 14

Involves one full time position being shared between two people, each with proportionate benefits.

Advantage:

• Balance between work and family
• Set hours allow structure

Disadvantage:

• Income is lower
• Disruption to the office and other working staff
• Can cause conflict between the two.

Question 15

Patterns of work

Temporary/contract

Answer 15

• CONTRACT Is an agreement to perform a task for a certain rate of pay.
• TEMPORARY workers are only employed for a certain period of time.

Advantages:

• Paid hourly
• Usually flexible, contractor can choose what contract.
• Temporary can change their direction of work.

Disadvantage:

• Don’t have benefits
• Lack of job security

Question 16

Patterns of work

Self employed

Answer 16

• Is an individual who owns and operates their own business.
• They generate income directly from their service or product not as a salary.

Advantage:

• Control
• Suitable work hours
• Responsible for all banking and financial matters.

Disadvantage:
- Uncertain income

Question 17

Patterns of work

Shift work

Answer 17

Works for a period of time around a 24 hour clock.

Advantage:

• Rarely travels during peak times.
• The unusual time of work can allow parents to split the childcare duties.

Disadvantage:

• Disrupts shift workers body rhythms, resulting in lack of sleep and disturbed meal times.
• Lack of energy and motivation can occur which disrupts daily activities.

Question 18

Patterns of work

Voluntary

Answer 18

Performing a task for a profit organization with no income in return.

Advantages:

• Benefits the community and those less fortunate,
• Experiences of a lifetime
• Education about social justice.

Disadvantage:

• No financial reward
• May not gain recognition

Question 19

Patterns of work

Seasonal work

Answer 19

• Work that is available in certain times of the year.
• It may be due to the weather or cultural celebrations.

Advantage:
- Extra money for a short amount of time.

Disadvantage:

• Income can be dependent on a good or bad season.
• Work can be intensive , repetitive
• There is no protection for the weather.

Question 20

Patterns of work

Working remotely

Answer 20

• Working from home for a long period of time.
• Working regularly from a place other than the office.
  (This may include short business trips)

Advantages: Working away from home for a period of time.

• Travel costs are paid for.
• Usually paid well.

Disadvantage:

• Time spent traveling to and from
• Time away from family
• Long, labourious hours

Advantages: Working remotely away from the office.

• Saves on daily transport
• Avoid traffic jams and cost of petrol

Disadvantage:

• Not available in all occupations
• Computer virus breakdown may occur.