Changes In Working Practice

Question 1

Changes in working practices

Answer 1

Working practices have been changing rapidly over the last 30 years.

Eg increasing number of women in the workforce
The loss of employment in heavy industry

Question 2

Key features of flexible workforce - Flexible hours

Answer 2

A worker on flexible hours has an agreed number of working hours - these are made up of core hours which must be worked - the remainder of the contracted hours can be worked on a flexible basis

Question 3

Home Working

Answer 3

Many jobs of professional status can include home working time as part of each working week.

Businesses benefits if less office space is required

Question 4

Part-time employment

Answer 4

A part time worker is someone who works fewer hours than a full-time worker.

This can benefit businesses from the flexibility it offers. During busy periods part time workers are employed. However, at quieter time the full time staff are sufficient.

Question 5

Temporary employment

Answer 5

Employment for a specific period of time.

Ie to cover someone for 6 months as they are on maternity leave

Question 6

Job sharing

Answer 6

Job-sharing means that two people share the same job on a 50/50 split.

Two people working collaboratively to fulfil aims and objectives

Question 7

Multi-skilling

Answer 7

This involves businesses training their workforce to be able to work effectively across a wide range of tasks

This offers a greater degree of flexibility

Question 8

Zero-hours contracts

Answer 8

This type of contract means that an employee has to be available for work but is not guaranteed any work.

This provides employers with total flexibility

Question 9

Hot desking

Answer 9

Hot-desking means that an employee has no fixed workspace within an office environment.

This cuts down the need for office space. However, employees can feel disconnected from the organisation

Question 10

Benefits to businesses of flexible working practices

Answer 10

Businesses can expand and contract their workforce quickly in response to a rise or fall in demand for their product or service.

Temporary staff may be cheaper to employ

A flexible workforce is likely to make a business more efficient.

Question 11

Drawbacks to businesses of flexible working practices

Answer 11

Temporary workers are less likely to have the same commitment to a business compared to permanent workers

Communicating with a workforce which works largely from home can be an issue and benefits of teamwork may be lost.

Workers may feel isolated and may result in less innovation