WORKING ENVIRONMENT

FLEXIBLE WORK PRACTICES Society, lifestyles and attitudes in the world

have changed and work practices have had to change as well.

There is now really no such things as a “normal” working day.

BENEFITS TO THE EMPLOYER OF FLEXIBLE WORKING Much easier to get the right staffing levels during busy

times.

Increased job performance and productivity

Staff less likely to leave

Less skiving

Can attract a wider range of applicants and high calibre employees

BENEFITS TO THE EMPLOYEE OF FLEXIBLE WORKING Can manage their personal life with work life better

Reduces stress

Improved skills

Improved concentration

More motivated employees who are happy at work

FLEXIBLE WORK PRACTICES FULL-TIME

These employees work a set number of hours a day.

This is normally 9.00 am until 5.00 pm, five days a week.

The average full-time working week in the UK is 41 hours, which is the longest in Europe.

PART-TIME

Working less than full time This could be working 3 days a week or only working in the mornings.

Usually used to covered peak times.

Entitled to the same wage rates, working conditions and benefits as full-time staff.

Worked out by PRO RATA.

E.g. Someone who works half a week is entitled to half the wages of a full-time member of staff

FLEXI-TIME

This is when an employee is allowed to vary their start and finishing times as long as they complete a certain number of hours a month.

Employees must be at work during core times, this is usually 10.00 am to 12.00 pm and 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm.

Employees can get “flexidays”, which are basically days off, by building up the number of hours required during the month.

This allows employees to make personal appointments or avoid travelling at peak periods

JOB-SHARE

This is a voluntary agreement between two members of staff, they share a full-time post.

The pay and benefits are in relation to the amount of hours worked.

The hours could be worked out in a number of different ways, e.g. one does mornings, the other does afternoons.

HOMEWORKING

This is when employees can work from home.

Employees don’t need to spend time or money on travelling to work and can choose when they work.

However, employees may feel isolated or be easily distracted at home.

TELEWORKING

This is when employees work away from the office and use IT to keep in contact with the office.

The employee gets the same benefits as a homeworker. Also an advantage is that the consumer may feel the organisation is closer to them.

The organisation can reduce its overheads, e.g. heating, lighting, rent and cleaning.

However, equipment can be expensive to buy.

HOT-DESKING

A desk that any worker can book when they come into the office.

Employees sometimes don’t like hot-desks as it is not personalised e.g. family photos

But the employer can save money and space as well as encouraging organisation and tidiness.

TOUCHDOWN AREAS

This is a desk that does not need to be booked.

Employees use it when they come into the office for a short period of time e.g. to do some paper work

CAREER BREAKS

When an employee takes time off work, e.g. to travel, and then return to work after a period of time.