flexible working practices Flashcards
zero hour contract
Generally understood to be a contract between an employer and worker where: the employer is not obliged to provide any minimum working hours and the worker is not obliged to accept any work offered
part time work
A form of employment with less than 35 hours worked per week. important aspect of labour market of many countries, helped to create a more diverse workforce and increased number of people in work.
remote working
A job that is done outside the office. many people refer to it as working from home.
term time working
The working hours mirror term time days. wont work during school holiday, so they can look after their children.
flexi-time
A scheme where there’s a period during the day when employees must be present. this is knows as core time. other than core time, employees may choose when they start and finish work within flexible bands at the beginning and end of each day.
job sharing
Schemes exist where employees share jobs on a morning-afternoon basis, while other share on a day-to-day basis. which ones used depends on the need of the business and ‘handover period’. divide jobs between them.
compressed hours
Attempt to provide an alternative working week in terms of the number of days a week actually worked by employees. E.g. a normal week is 5 days, but may be condensed to 4 days with the same amount of hours worked.
annualised hours
Employees will work a total number of hours for the year as a whole, with some degree of flexibility as to how these hours are undertaken. A set number may be allocated each week and employees are paid on the basis that the hours are worked, so no need for overtime pay, as needed hours are in the wage.
Time off in lieu
Employees may be asked to work longer hours when busy, and the additional number of hours being recoded and enabling employees to take time off in compensation in less busy times. Paid time off for working extra.
Pros of zero hours contracts
Creates leaner, more profitable business
Increased employment levels
Flexibility suites some workers (students)
Cons of zero hours contract
Creates exploitation of workers
Keeps wages low due to lack of upward pay pressure
Business reputation may be harmed
Creates anxiety got some workers (don’t know if they can pay bills)
Pros of remote working
Employees save time and money travelling to work
The business can increase numbers of staff without increasing office space
May be less distractions at home, so concentration may be better
Trust element
Cons of remote working
Employees may not work effectively at home (no love between work and home space)
Employees may miss the social interaction
Employees may enjoy travelling as they can reflect on the day
May be more distracted at home
Pros of term time working
Lower absenteeism
Motivational
Makes job attractive to parents
