Approaches to Staffing

• What is a zero hour contract?

  A contract with no guaranteed hours
• What is a key feature of zero hour contracts for workers?

  Workers are not obliged to accept work
• What are the pros and cons of zero hour contracts?

  For:

  • Provides work for unemployed individuals
  • Suitable for students needing extra income
  • Businesses save money by not paying idle staff

  
  

  Against:

  • Not suitable for long-term jobs
  • Workers cannot plan their income
  • Businesses cannot guarantee worker availability
• What is considered an asset in staffing?

  Permanent work and acceptable remuneration
• How does treating staff as assets benefit a business?

  It can help the business grow and be beneficial
• What are the characteristics of staff treated as costs?

  • Zero hour contracts
  • Minimum wage
  • Lack of training
  • Financial incentives for productivity
  • Cheap recruitment methods
• What is a disadvantage of flexible working for employees?

  Workers may feel less part of the team
• What is a potential advantage of flexible working for businesses?

  Lower costs from part-time contracts
• What are the advantages of W.L. Gore's approach to staffing?

  • Staff are called 'associates'
  • Individual pay discussions for basic needs
  • Free private healthcare
  • Staff motivation from owning shares
  • Low labour turnover due to loyalty
• What does labour turnover measure?

  The percentage of employees leaving a business
• How does W.L. Gore's treatment of staff affect labour turnover?

  It results in very low labour turnover