BUSINESS RESULT INTERMEDIATE Unit 7 "An Informal Presentation"

Summary

In this HR team meeting at Quartz Power Group, Paul, the HR manager, discusses the upcoming implementation of flexible working hours and the possibility of working from home. He outlines the three groups of employees affected: those requiring fixed hours (Group 1), those with core hours (Group 2), and management who already have flexible schedules (Group 3). Paul emphasizes the need for careful planning and invites the team to provide input on these proposals, asking for feedback on the departmental groupings. The team is tasked with reviewing the proposed changes and addressing the practical aspects of the new system.

Takeaways

• 😀 The HR department at Quartz Power Group is planning to implement flexible working hours and remote working options for certain employees.
• 😀 The company is relocating to a new building, which lacks sufficient office space, leading to the need for these changes.
• 😀 The changes to working arrangements will require updates to administrative systems, such as timekeeping and record-keeping.
• 😀 The HR manager, Paul, will oversee the implementation process and has broken it into a three-part process.
• 😀 The first part of the process involves determining who is eligible for flexible working hours and who cannot take advantage of the system.
• 😀 Jobs requiring fixed hours, such as call center staff, fall into Group 1, where employees must work specific shifts.
• 😀 Group 2 employees will work core hours, agreed upon with their line manager, but have the flexibility to start earlier or work later.
• 😀 The core hours for Group 2 employees could be from 10 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 4 PM, allowing for more flexible work schedules.
• 😀 The system is designed to prevent everyone in Group 2 from leaving early in the day, such as at 2 PM, while still offering flexibility.
• 😀 Group 3 employees, mainly middle and senior management, already work flexible hours and are not affected by these changes.
• 😀 Paul asks the team to review the department and job groupings to ensure they are appropriate for the flexible working system.
• 😀 The team will continue discussions about the implementation of the flexible working hours system in future meetings.

Q & A

Why is the company implementing flexible working hours?

The company is implementing flexible working hours due to limited office space in the new building, which cannot accommodate everyone. This change will allow employees to work from home or have more flexible schedules where possible.

What is the first step in the process of implementing flexible working?

The first step is determining 'who' can work flexible hours, as it won't suit everyone and may not be appropriate for certain roles, such as those requiring fixed hours or presence in the office.

What are the three groups of employees based on their ability to work flexibly?

The three groups are: Group 1, which includes jobs requiring fixed hours; Group 2, which involves roles that can work core hours; and Group 3, which includes middle and senior management already working flexible hours.

What are 'core hours' in the context of flexible working?

Core hours are specific times, such as 10:00-12:00 and 14:00-16:00, when employees must be present in the office. Outside of these hours, they have the flexibility to start earlier or finish later.

What is the main concern about core hours?

The main concern is ensuring that not all employees start work early and leave by 2:00 PM, as this would create scheduling issues. The system is designed to prevent this.

Who will be responsible for monitoring whether employees are present during core hours?

Managers will be responsible for ensuring that employees are at their desks during core hours. However, issues arise when managers themselves do not come in until later, such as 10:00 AM.

Why is there a need to change the way people think about flexible working?

There is a need for a shift in mindset not only among staff but also, more importantly, among managers. Flexible working will require changes in how people approach timekeeping, record-keeping, and overall work management.

How will the HR team approach the planning for flexible working?

The HR team will use part of their regular meetings to discuss and plan the implementation of flexible working. They will focus on identifying who can work flexibly, what changes are required, and how these changes will be implemented.

What is the role of managers in implementing flexible working?

Managers will play a key role in ensuring that employees adhere to core hours and in adjusting their management practices to accommodate flexible working. They will also need to lead by example in terms of embracing flexibility.

What is the next step after determining who can work flexible hours?

The next step is addressing 'what' changes need to be made, such as updating administrative systems for timekeeping and record-keeping, and possibly revising job expectations to fit the new working structure.