Impact of IT

• What is job sharing

  When 2 employees divide a full time job between them
• What is a benefit of job sharing

  Allows staff to stay in contact with the world of work and ensures their skills are maintained

  
  

  Staff are less tired as they are working fewer days, meaning they would be more productive and motivated
• What is a con of job sharing

  Staff do not receive a full time salary

  
  

  If Communication is not very strong, tasks may not be completed on time and to a high standard
• What is flexi time

  Allows employees to choose the hours they work however they must be present during core time
• Benefits of flexitime

  Employees have a better work life balance which leads to increased morale and productivity
• Fixed term contract

  A contract that has a start and end date and is usually used to cover special situations
• Advantages of fixed term to the employer

  Allows cover for staff absenteeism

  
  

  Workers tend to be more committed because there is a chance that they will get a permanent contract
• Advantages of fixed term to the employee

  Suits workers who don't want to be tied down to one job for long periods of time

  
  

  May receive a higher rate of pay to compensate for the lack of permanency
• What is outsourcing

  Where the company will hire someone else to do certain jobs that are non core. This allows the organisation to focus on what it's main task is
• What is homeworking

  When staff work from home useing ICT equipment to communicate with the office
• Advantages of home working to the employer


  Can retain valuable staff because they have a better work life balance

  
  

  Staff are happier which leads to less staff turnover

  
  

  Staff are more motivated and productive if they are able to be comfortable
• Disadvantages of home working to the employer

  Extra costs of ICT equipment and training

  
  

  Not suitable for all employees because they must be very independent and have self discipline

  
  

  Different style of management is required for managing remote workers
• Advantages of home working to the employee

  Better work life balance

  
  

  Reduces time and cost of travel so there is less stress involved

  
  

  Can choose their own work schedule as long as the work is completed
• Disadvantages of home working to the employee

  May feel isolated as they have little or no social contact

  
  

  May not have the space at home to accommodate ICT equipment

  
  

  Easy to get distracted
• What is a cellular office layout

  A room where an employee will work on their own
• Advantages of a cellular layout

  Rooms are lockable so it is easier to restrict access to equipment and confidential info

  
  

  Employees are less likely to be distracted or interrupted

  
  

  Can be used to host private meetings

  
  

  Illnesses are less likely to spread
• Disadvantages of cellular layout

  Harder for management to supervise employee

  
  

  Communication is more difficult

  
  

  May feel isolated as it is less social

  
  

  It is harder to access help
• What is an open plan office layout

  Where there is a group of employees working together in the same room at separate desks
• Advantages of open plan layout

  Easier to manage and supervise staff

  
  

  Easier to organise team meeting

  
  

  Expensive equipment can be shared among employees which saves money

  
  

  Less time is wasted passing info and work

  
  

  More social

  
  

  Easier to receive help
• Disadvantages of open plan layout

  Difficult to concentrate due to background noise meaning they may miss deadlines

  
  

  Hard to restrict access to confidential info as screens can be seen easily

  
  

  Standard heating, lighting, ventilation may not suit individual staff which can lead to increased stress as they are working in an environment they think will make them ill