Explaining how modern IT has had an impact on working practices Outcome 1.4 Explaining how modern IT has had an impact on working practices

Work Practices Due to changes in the working environment and in society, organisations have had to change to meet the demands of both their customers and employees. The key word is FLEXIBILITY

WORK PRACTICES Traditional working hours of 9-5 have been replaced with a variety of different forms of working. Traditional Newer Part time Home working, tele working Flexi-time Hot-desking Shift Work Career Breaks Job-share Non-paid leave; condensed working hours; collaborative learning Read the Notes for further information on these types of working practices.

The impact of new work practices Advantages to Employer Disadvantages to Employer Larger pool of labour so wider range of available skills It can be difficult to offer training and staff development to part-time workers Ability to offer flexible working patterns may suit employees with children therefore retaining good staff It is not always easy to ensure health and safety in the home environment Happier staff will improve morale and increase productivity It is harder to organise and control a large number of part-time workers Less absenteeism Difficulties in communication Cheaper rent/accommodation costs Technical difficulties when equipment breaks down

The impact of new work practices Advantages to Employee Disadvantages to Employee Flexible work patterns make is easier to combine work and family life There might be fewer opportunities for staff development and training Part-time workers end to have lower stress levels There can be a feeling of isolation Freedom to choose when and where to work Hot desking may result in depersonalisation of space Reduction in travel costs It can be more difficult to develop new relationships More accessible for people with disabilities Difficult to balance work and home commitments

Career Breaks Often offered by large organisations, bank and insurance companies. The aim of a career break is to retain a valued and competent employee and allow them to have an agreed period of time off. Another example of flexible working arrangements in granting non-paid leave to parents during school holidays when parents often find it difficult to find child care. Condensed working hours and collaborate learning and tasks are other examples of flexible working arrangements.

Contracts of Employment Part-time contracts – can be permanent or temporary Full-time contracts – can be permanent or temporary Temporary contracts – for an indefinite period of time Fixed-term contracts – will have a fixed start and end date Outsourcing – work in contracted out to gain services more cheaply or specialised services

The Contract of Employment Under the Employment Rights Act of 1996 an organisation is required by law to give an employee a written statement of the main terms and conditions of employment within 8 weeks of starting work. The statement must include: Job title, holidays, working hours, required duties, pension details, discipline and grievance procedures, date of employment

The Work Environment - Office Layout (Open Plan) Advantages Disadvantages Easy to supervise Can be noisy Savings in space and equipment Unable to alter heating etc Meeting rooms for private work Shared resources Staff social areas away from work areas Lack of privacy

The Work Environment – Cellular Office Advantages Disadvantages Quiet – doors can be closed Wastes space Status - boss has own room More difficult to supervise and share resources Privacy for one-one discussions Uneconomic Ability to alter heating etc Difficult to promote team work

Ergonomics Office ergonomics is about fitting the workspace environment and the employee together in the best way to prevent physical and mental health problems. Increased use of technology has meant more musculoskeletal disorders eg carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive strain injuries, back injuries and neck and shoulder pain.

Workflow The following software applications have all helped to improve workflow: E-mail: An electronic means of sending text and data. Intranet: A central system at a private internet address. Webinars, Video and Audio Conferencing: Allows people to facilitate meetings globally without having to travel. Mobile phone technology: Essential tools for keeping in touch with colleagues. Read the Notes for further information on these types of software applications