Flexible Working | A-Level, IB & BTEC Business

Summary

The video explores the concept of flexible working, focusing on how businesses adapt their human resource management to become more flexible. It highlights popular flexible working methods such as part-time work, job sharing, remote working, term-time working, and self-employment, especially in the gig economy. The benefits of flexible working include cost savings, improved job satisfaction, and a larger pool of potential job candidates. However, challenges like management complexity, potential isolation, and the need for investment in technology are also discussed. The overall message emphasizes that, when managed well, flexible working can be a win-win for both employers and employees.

Takeaways

• 😀 Flexible working refers to adapting working arrangements in terms of when, how long, and where employees work.
• 😀 Part-time working is one of the most common forms of flexible working, allowing employees to work fewer hours or days per week.
• 😀 Job sharing allows two employees to split the duties of one full-time position.
• 😀 Remote work and the use of mobile devices are increasingly common flexible working methods, allowing employees to work from home or on the go.
• 😀 Term-time working is a flexible option popular with parents, allowing them to align work with childcare schedules.
• 😀 Career breaks allow employees to take time away from work to recharge or pursue personal interests.
• 😀 The gig economy, with self-employment options like those offered by Uber and Deliveroo, is a growing trend in flexible working.
• 😀 One key benefit of flexible working is reducing business costs, such as office space and employee training costs.
• 😀 Flexible working can lead to lower recruitment costs and improved employee retention due to higher job satisfaction and motivation.
• 😀 Offering flexible working increases the available pool of potential job applicants who are attracted to flexibility.
• 😀 Some challenges of flexible working include management complexity, investment in supporting remote work, and the risk of isolation or loneliness among remote employees.

Q & A

What is flexible working in the context of human resource management?

Flexible working refers to how a business adjusts the working arrangements with its employees in terms of when, how long, and where they work. It includes options like part-time work, job sharing, remote work, and flexible hours.

What are some common methods of flexible working?

Common methods of flexible working include part-time working, job sharing, working from home, using mobile devices for work, term-time working for parents, career breaks, and self-employment, particularly in the gig economy.

What is part-time working, and why is it popular?

Part-time working involves employees working fewer hours than a full-time position, such as two or three days a week. It's popular because it offers employees greater work-life balance and flexibility in how they manage their time.

What is job sharing, and how does it work?

Job sharing is when two employees share the responsibilities of one full-time job. Both employees work part-time hours but collectively cover the hours of a full-time position.

How does remote working or working from home benefit both employees and businesses?

Remote working reduces the need for office space, lowers overhead costs, and can improve job satisfaction and work-life balance for employees. For businesses, it can help reduce employment costs and attract a wider pool of applicants.

What is term-time working, and who benefits from it?

Term-time working allows employees, particularly parents, to adjust their working schedule around school terms. It helps them balance their work and childcare responsibilities, making it especially beneficial for parents with young children.

What role does self-employment play in flexible working?

Self-employment allows individuals to work on a freelance or contract basis rather than as employees. This offers flexibility in how and when people work. It has become more common in the gig economy, with platforms like Uber and Deliveroo relying heavily on self-employed workers.

What are some key benefits of flexible working?

Flexible working can reduce employment costs for businesses, improve labor turnover, enhance job satisfaction, and increase employee motivation. It also broadens the pool of job applicants by offering more flexible options.

What are the challenges businesses face with flexible working?

Challenges include the complexity of managing remote workers, the initial investment required for technology and infrastructure, the potential for employee isolation, and the difficulty of monitoring performance when workers are not in a central office.

Can flexible working arrangements lead to employee isolation or loneliness?

Yes, one potential drawback of flexible working, especially remote work, is the risk of employee isolation and loneliness due to a lack of in-person interaction with colleagues. This could affect team dynamics and individual well-being.