HR

• What has been changing rapidly over the last 30 years in working practices?

  Working practices
• What are some factors contributing to changes in working practices?

  Decline in trade union power, end of demarcation
• What does the end of demarcation refer to?

  A process separating different types of work
• What has led to a greater degree of flexibility in employment practices?

  Changes in working practices
• What does flexible working mean in terms of staffing patterns?

  Staffing patterns not dependent on full-time jobs
• What is job sharing?

  Splitting an existing job between two people
• What are the possible benefits of job sharing?

  • Retains experienced employees
  • Meets employee requests for part-time work
  • Provides continuity during absences
  • Gains ideas from two employees
• What are the possible disadvantages of job sharing?

  • Higher administration costs for training
  • Communication breakdown between employees
  • Need to communicate same information twice
  • Potential absence from important meetings
• What is the definition of flexible working hours?

  Agreed hours with core and flexible time
• How might flexible working hours benefit parents?

  Allows time to collect children from school
• What does multi-skilling involve?

  Training workforce to handle various tasks
• What are the advantages of multi-skilling?

  • Greater flexibility in workforce
  • Better motivation among employees
  • Easier implementation of change
• What is part-time employment used for during busy periods?

  To meet employer's needs
• What does hot-desking mean?

  No fixed workspace for employees
• What are the benefits of hot-desking?

  • Reduces need for office space
  • Encourages innovation and networking
• What are the drawbacks of hot-desking?

  • Breakdown of workplace relationships
  • Feelings of disconnection from the organization
• What is temporary employment defined as?

  Employment for a specific period of time
• What are the benefits of home-working for employees?

  • Greater flexibility with domestic responsibilities
  • Reduced stress from commuting
  • Cost savings on travel and work expenses
• What are the drawbacks of home-working for employees?

  • Isolation from colleagues
  • Difficulty impressing management
  • Missed learning experiences
• What are the benefits of home-working for employers?

  • Reduced costs for equipment and space
  • Elimination of absenteeism due to weather
  • Increased motivation among staff
• What are the drawbacks of home-working for employers?

  • Difficulty in monitoring staff
  • Potential communication problems
  • Reduced idea exchange among staff
• What is a zero-hours contract?

  Contract with no guaranteed work hours
• What are the benefits of zero-hours contracts for employers?

  • Provides total flexibility in staffing
  • Allows for increased hours during busy times
• What are the drawbacks of zero-hours contracts for employees?

  • Lack of income security
  • Potential for being sent home without work
• What are the advantages of changing working patterns for employers and employees?

  • Flexibility in staffing and scheduling
  • Improved employee morale and productivity
  • Cost savings on office space and equipment
• What are the disadvantages of changing working patterns for employers and employees?

  • Increased complexity in management and training
  • Potential for communication issues
  • Reduced loyalty and quality of work
• What can multi-skilled employees do for a business?

  They can cover various roles and tasks
• How can flexible working arrangements affect absenteeism?

  They can reduce absenteeism and lateness
• How does job sharing impact the continuity of work?

  It provides continuity during absences
• What might be a reason for an employee to prefer part-time work?

  To balance work with personal responsibilities
• What is a potential issue with communication in job sharing?

  Breakdown of communication between employees
• How can flexible working arrangements benefit employers during busy periods?

  They can hire part-time employees as needed
• What is a challenge of managing a multi-skilled workforce?

  Ensuring all employees are adequately trained
• What is a benefit of home-working for employees regarding travel?

  Reduces costs and stress of commuting
• How does hot-desking potentially affect workplace relationships?

  It may lead to a breakdown of relationships
• What is a potential drawback of temporary employment for employers?

  High turnover rates among temporary staff
• What is a potential disadvantage of flexible working for employees?

  Feeling isolated from colleagues
• How can flexible working arrangements help businesses respond to demand fluctuations?

  They allow for hiring based on demand
• What is a challenge of implementing job sharing in a business?

  Finding compatible partners for job sharing
• What is a potential benefit of multi-skilling for employees?

  Enhances job prospects