1. 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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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.

12. Workflow
The following software applications have all helped to improve workflow:
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