Working Practices

• What does job sharing mean?

  Work carried out by multiple part-time employees
• Why is job sharing important for some workers?

  It helps those with family responsibilities
• What is a benefit of job sharing related to employee responsibility?

  It reduces pressure on a single employee
• How can employers benefit from job sharing?

  They gain a broader range of skills
• What is a disadvantage of job sharing?

  Communication may break down between employees
• What is one function of the HR department?

  Recruitment and selection of employees
• Why is training organized by the HR department?

  To enable employees to carry out responsibilities
• What does employee relations involve?

  Looking after staff welfare and grievances
• What is the HR department's role in health and safety?

  Ensuring a healthy and safe work environment
• What is the definition of workforce?

  The people working or seeking employment
• What does working practice refer to?

  The normal way work is done in a business
• What is a zero-hour contract?

  No minimum hours guaranteed for employees
• Why are zero-hour contracts valuable for businesses?

  They save money by avoiding unnecessary payments
• What is a drawback of zero-hour contracts for employees?

  Workers may have an irregular income
• What does home working mean?

  Workers do not attend a workplace daily
• How does modern technology affect home working?

  It allows work to be monitored remotely
• What is a benefit of home working for employees?

  Increases flexibility to meet commitments
• How can home working reduce costs for employers?

  It avoids costs of workspace and furniture
• What is a drawback of home working for employers?

  It may be difficult to monitor employees
• How can home working affect employees socially?

  They may miss out on social interactions
• What does flexible working hours mean?

  Workers can choose hours within a range
• Give an example of flexible working hours.

  Working 36 hours between 7 and 5
• What is a benefit of flexible working hours for employees?

  They can fit work around other commitments
• How can flexible working hours benefit businesses?

  Employees are available at different times
• What are the possible benefits of job sharing?

  • Allows part-time work for family care or study
  • Splits responsibility, reducing pressure
  • Broadens skills and ideas for employers
• What are the possible disadvantages of job sharing?

  • Communication breakdown between employees
  • Leads to less continuity and inefficiency
• What are the functions of the HR department?

  • Recruitment and selection
  • Organizing training for employees
  • Employee relations and welfare
  • Health and safety management
• What are the benefits and drawbacks of zero-hour contracts?

  Benefits:

  • Saves money for businesses

  Drawbacks:

  • Irregular income for workers
• What are the benefits and drawbacks of home working?

  Benefits:

  • Increases employee flexibility
  • Reduces costs for employers

  Drawbacks:

  • Difficult to monitor employees
  • Potential isolation for employees
• What are the benefits of flexible working hours?

  • Employees can fit work around commitments
  • Businesses have employees available at varied times