changes in working practice

• How have working practices changed over the last 30 years?


  They have become more flexible compared to the 1970s and before.
• What are some factors contributing to changes in employment practices?

  Decline in trade union power, end of demarcation, loss of employment in heavy industry, and increasing number of women in the workforce.
• What are the key features of a flexible workforce?

  • Flexible hours
  • Home working
  • Part-time employment
  • Temporary employment
  • Job-sharing
  • Multi-skilling
  • Zero-hours contracts
  • Hot-desking
• What are flexible hours in the context of employment?

  Flexible hours allow workers to have core hours that must be worked, with the remainder being flexible.
• How might flexible hours benefit parents?

  They can adjust their working hours to accommodate school pick-up times.
• What is home working and which jobs commonly allow it?

  Home working allows professionals like designers and IT programmers to work from home, benefiting from reduced commuting stress.
• What are the benefits of home working for businesses?

  It reduces overhead costs by requiring less office space.
• What is part-time employment and who benefits from it?

  Part-time employment is increasingly common and benefits parents and students by offering flexibility.
• How do businesses utilize part-time workers during busy periods?

  They employ part-time workers to meet increased demand while relying on full-time staff during quieter times.
• What is temporary employment?

  Temporary employment is for a specific period, often arranged through agencies to cover needs like maternity leave.
• Why do trade unions criticize temporary contracts?

  They offer little security or career development for employees.
• What is job-sharing?

  Job-sharing allows two people to share the same job, often on a fifty-fifty split.
• How does job-sharing benefit new mothers?

  It allows them to continue working while managing childcare responsibilities.
• What is multi-skilling in the workforce?

  Multi-skilling involves training workers to perform a variety of tasks, enhancing flexibility.
• What are zero-hours contracts?

  Zero-hours contracts require employees to be available for work without guaranteeing any hours.
• What are the criticisms of zero-hours contracts?

  They are criticized for providing workers with virtually no income security.
• What is hot-desking?

  Hot-desking means employees do not have fixed workspaces, allowing for more efficient use of office space.
• What are some benefits of flexible working practices for businesses?

  They allow quick adjustments to workforce size in response to demand changes.
• How can temporary staff be more cost-effective for businesses?

  They may be cheaper to employ as they often do not receive the same benefits as permanent staff.
• How does a flexible workforce contribute to business efficiency?

  It can lead to lower costs and increased competitiveness, especially in labor-intensive sectors.
• What is a potential drawback of employing temporary workers?

  They may lack the same commitment to the business as permanent workers, affecting work quality.
• What communication issues can arise from a largely home-working workforce?

  It can lead to feelings of isolation and loss of teamwork benefits.
• What are the discussion themes related to flexible working practices?

  • Explain what is meant by the flexible workforce with examples.
  • Evaluate the statement: Flexible working practices bring more advantages to employers than employees.
  • Discuss reasons for and against zero-hours contracts.