...report May 2012 Flexible working provision and uptake Contents Summary of key findings Flexible working provision – employers’ policies and practices Formal/informal flexible working arrangements Flexible working and the law Right to request flexible working Flexible working regulations and tribunal claims Access to and uptake of flexible working among employees Employee perceptions of the flexible working arrangements provided by employers Uptake of flexible working Flexible working uptake, by size of organisation worked for Flexible working uptake, by seniority of employees Employees that would like to work flexibly if given the opportunity Benefits of flexible working Benefits of flexible working: employees Satisfaction with work–life balance and employee engagement Satisfaction with work–life balance support Barriers to introducing flexible working Flexible working trends Background to the report Conclusions 2 4 7 9 10 14 15 15 16 18 18 18 21 22 24 25 27 30 33 34 Flexible working provision and uptake 1 Summary of key findings Background to the survey This report is based on survey responses from more than 1,000 employers and 2,000 employees. The employer survey is weighted to be representative of industry in the UK in relation to size, sector and type of business. The employee survey is weighted to be representative of the UK workforce in relation to sector and size (private, public, voluntary), industry type and full-time/part-time working by gender. Both...
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...Flexible Working Hours – Is it a win-win situation for both Employees and Organisations Flexible working hours is one of the most employee friendly schemes that have been recently employed by many organisations across the world to become benefit to their employees and a good work life balance. It gives a wide option for an employee to improve the quality of their work and provides a better choice of flexible timings. The increase in globalisation the companies don’t just work from 9 to 5. They also expect from their employees to spend more quality time. It gives an opportunity for the employers to measure the performance based on the final outcome rather than just the time spent by the employee to finish her/her work. This motivates the employees to think out of the box, work smartly to provide solutions. As the key motive for every employee is to retain the best talent in the company and increase the retention, this policy would be a key factor in helping to do the same. The most important fact for this policy to work successfully is that it has to be well structured so that the employee can take the benefit from it without using it for their own good. The shift to flexible working hours with a proper restructuring in the organisation will be a key success in increasing the productivity of the employees to meet the global demand and competition. Though the above point is debatable whether it actually a boon or a bane for the organisation, it has influenced the employees’...
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...Essay Question: 2. There has been an increase in the number of employers adopting flexible working practices. Critically examine the advantages and drawbacks of this for both the organisation and workforce. EARNING DEVELOPMENT THROUGH FEEDBACK Taking into account the numerous feedbacks I have received from different lecturers, they have helped me to tackle a research topic with necessary skills like referencing and the importance of having a well-laid out introduction and conclusion part. Throughout this learning process, I have ensured to come up with a research thesis that clearly lays out the focus of the essay within the introduction section. As a result of this, I have managed to write up effective arguments in relation to any provided topic as can be shown in this assignment. Prepared by (Student’s Name) The context for which current jobs take place is changing in a more rapid way thereby developing new issues and chances for organisations in the United Kingdom, Australia and beyond (Podnar & Golob, 2010). Prior conventional ways for executing work is deemed to be no longer valid since the modern working environments are far much defines by such aspects as advanced technologies; new societal values; ever-changing demographics; and, also aggressive rapid globalisation. Considering the fact that there has been significant increase in the level of business environment sophistication; it is asserted that flexibility is then deemed to be a crucial element to future...
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...GE347 Project Part 1 Ways Flexible Working Keeps Mothers In The Workplace Being a working mother is a challenge, but it has gotten a little easier in today’s workplace. Not that many years ago, when women gave birth, that usually meant giving up their jobs that they were accustomed to. Now a days, there are many different options that companies are providing in order to keep their mother workers. Some of those options are providing a part-time schedule for those new mothers, providing daycare services, and with providing work-from-home solutions. We will take a brief look at these different options, including some examples of companies that are and are not successfully with accommodating workplace mothers. Some work places can help a mother still hold a job, by changing their original work schedule to a part-time basis. This may not be the ideal option, but it still allows for the mother to take care of her child, and to have some income still coming in for their family. By having a part-time schedule, the new mothers are able to work around their baby’s times. The new reduced schedule, will allow for mothers to have someone watch their children around a time that works for them, as well as still being their child’s primary care-giver. Many mothers think highly of their part-time schedules. They want to be able to spend the time with their children as well as continuing down their career path. In earlier days, having a child and having a career was an either/or situation...
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...Assessment Activity BSBWOR501A Manage personal work priorities and professional development Assessment 76 Student ID: Question # Question Type: Assignment Name: Duration/Due: 1 week Marks 1 10 SKILLS THAT WEREN’T EVEN INVENTED A FEW YEARS AGO ARE ESSENTIAL FOR THE NEAR FUTURE By looking at new positions that are emerging in the workplace, supervisors can get some idea of some of the skills they will have to develop in the future. There are three areas that seem to be emerging in a way that will have a major impact on the workplace: information, etiquette and life-work balance. Information is coming at us at an increasing rate. We have now stepped into what is known as the knowledge age, where information (converted to knowledge) is what will provide the competitive edge for organisations. Information and knowledge are fast replacing capital equipment as the key asset for conducting business. Administrative assistants will become information co-ordinators, managing the vast amounts of information to ensure that everyone has access to and is aware of the existence of information that will help them better perform their jobs. The supervisor will also have to manage larger amounts of information, ensuring their staff have access to information that is important to their job. Life-balance is a term appearing in more and more magazines and management books. Many workers have been thrust into the position of caring for ageing parents while also caring for their...
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...Business Communication Trends Michelle Gordon XCOM/285 August 11, 2013 Shannon Owens Business Communication Trends The definition of business communication is the sharing of information between people within an enterprise that is performed for the commercial benefit of the organization. In addition, business communication can also refer to how a company shares information to promote its product or services to potential consumers. (WebFinance, 2013) Communication plays a critical role in student’s on-line day to day activities. A on-line student has to be flexible to balance school and family. Some of the flexibility options allow you to work anytime and anywhere. You are able to make your own schedule and incorporate it into your daily routine. The University of Phoenix requires you to participate four days a week. This means you have to log into your student portal at least four days and participate in class discussions and weekly discussion questions. If for some reason you could not participate you are required to check in with your instructor. Checking in will ensure you will not be dropped from your class. An on-line student is capable of meeting personal needs because you are able to go to school from anywhere. All you need is an Internet connection and a computer. You can take your on-line classes on vacation with you if needed. You can juggle so many personal tasks as an on-line student. For example, if you have a doctor’s appointment and need to answer some...
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...RECOMMENDATION #1. Improve the demand forecasts made internally by the Buying Committee in November just before Speculative Production. Instead of using just a simple average of the individual forecasts made by Laura, Carolyn, Greg, Wendy, Tom, & Wally, use a weighted average, with the weights reflecting past accuracy. RECOMMENDATION #2. Obtain market feedback earlier than Las Vegas, thereby converting some Speculative Production to Reactive Production. Sport Obermeyer can invite selected retailers to come in January to Aspen for an all-expenses-paid “Early Order Weekend”, where there is time for a”sneak preview” of the new line, some recreational skiing and socializing, and then the early placement of orders at a discount. To maximize the value of the market feedback, Sport Obermeyer’s “guest list” should include both large and small retailers and both urban and resort retailers. RECOMMENDATION #3. Decrease lead times for both raw materials and finished goods, thereby allowing more time to utilize existing capacity. Since the business strategy should emphasize Dependability more than Cost, lead-times can be reduced using some or all of the following methods: Choose suppliers of raw materials more on the basis of D than C. Expedite orders through information sharing with suppliers. Expedite shipments using faster (but more expensive) shippers. Establish some local (but more expensive) production capacity for “last minute” production. Other ways to reduce lead times...
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...Have you ever felt that I need to train no matter what I feel like today? I have found that sticking with my training plan is not the issue, however veering off it slightly and allowing for flexibility was very difficult for me. In my last two years of competing against Runners and Triathletes there have been a few injuries, chronic fatigue and potential burnout. I decided to step back this year while training for the marathon by preventing myself in falling in the same pattern again. Often times, the best barometer of feedback is not in watts, heart data or fancy graphs. Some of the best feedback comes from our gut instincts. Finding the joy in training and being opening up to being more flexible in our regimen is just as important as all the hard interval work or getting in the volume. This said, I decided to listen to my inner voice which said, “I think I need to rest more today.” That inner voice often sent me an SOS signal calling for either a brief physical or mental break. The best advice that I can give to you as a runner is to speak to yourself as if you were your own best friend. What would you say to a good friend if she or he felt pressure to so something on plan, but knew deep inside what they really needed? What would you say to your friend if he or she said that she was really, really tired and not up for doing something you had planned together? You’d probably say that “it’s okay – we’ll get it in another time.” The best runners, who perform well...
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...Daft explains that because these type companies are divided into departments, communication and coordination are slow and decision making may be poor (2013). 2. Another structure is the divisional approach. As opposed to the functional way, there are several teams across the same level that works on their own single product or service. Each of these teams has their own leader or manager. Pros of the divisional approach allow teams to be more focused on their own product or service. This allows them to be flexible and more reactive to changes (Daft, 2013. P. 320). Cons of this structure include higher overhead since it takes more employees to make up the teams and there may be a rivalry between teams due to competition. 3. The matrix is a combination of both functional and divisional (Daft, 2013 p. 321). There may be multiple higher leaders that manage different teams. These leaders report to higher supervisors. The matrix can be very effective since it can be flexible in a rapidly changing world. Teams work better together and have broader responsibilities. The downside to a matrix approach is that it may be more difficult to manage. This approach is very much decentralized, not hierarchical like the others. 4. Recent...
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...Flexible Work Schedule Survey Kasey Taylor LeTourneau University BUSI 4623OL: Business Research Methods October 25, 2012 Abstract The purpose of this survey was to determine whether or not flexible work schedules have a positive impact on productivity in the workplace. The survey was given to all employees at the end of a training class and turned into the instructor to give to the human resource department. The written survey consisted of 10 questions ranging from demographics to personal needs. We found employees with spouses and or children under the age of 18 were in favor of flexible work schedule having a positive impact for them personally on their productivity. The survey also revealed the need for individuals to feel they have some control and flexibility in their work schedules, which leads to a balanced personal and business life. Flexible Work Schedule The purpose of this survey was to determine whether or not flexible work schedules have a positive impact on productivity in the workplace. “Flexible work schedules” refer to choices pertaining to the location and/or time that work is conducted, whether it is formal or informal. Formal being policy from HR department that is written. Informal meaning the immediate supervisor has approved this flexible arrangement. The survey was emailed to 2,000 employees and 526 participants completed the survey. The survey consisted of several questions ranging from the use of flexible work arrangements to their level...
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...Employers and Workers The pace of life dictates ever changing priorities and requires acceptance, tolerance and flexibility. While a source of income is still required, the company where one is employed may not have as much influence if the career detracts significantly from the non-work related needs of the individual. Furthermore, if companies are insensitive to employee needs, and work becomes a significant source of stress, not only does worker productivity lessen but that company’s name and reputation as an employer may hinder its own ability attract necessary quality employees. Employees and employers alike are looking for ways to increase worker satisfaction. One increasingly attractive solution is the growing acceptance of a flexible work week and schedule. Prominent employers like Kraft Foods, Texas Instruments and First Tennessee Bank have implemented these changes for their workers to boost productivity while increasing job satisfaction (Forbes). Employers are also using these flex schedules as a way of attracting and retaining their employees. For example, “In 1999 only 18 companies on Fortune magazine’s list of Best Places to Work offered telecommuting. Today, 79 do (ABC News).” The definition of flexibility encompasses a wide range of topics such as: • Flextime (compressed work weeks and shift flexibility) • Telecommuting • Paid Time Off (personal days and vacation by the hour) “Business leaders are learning how to position flexibility as a powerful...
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...What is a great Workplace ? 1. The Employee View : Great workplaces are built through the day-to-day relationships that employees experience — not a checklist of programmes and benefits. The key factor in common in these relationships is TRUST. From the Employee’s perspective, a great workplace is one where they: * TRUST the people they work for; * Have PRIDE in what they do; and * ENJOY the people they work with. 2. The Manager View : From the Manager’s perspective, a great workplace is one where they: 3. ACHIEVE ORGANISATIONAL OBJECTIVES; 4. With employees who GIVE THEIR PERSONAL BEST; and 5. WORK TOGETHER AS A TEAM / FAMILY in an environment ofTRUST 4 things that makes companies great place to work for : A strong positive culture, firmly grounded in a meaningful purpose. ’Culture’ has, too often, come to mean ‘perks.’ But while a ping-pong table in the break room and coupons for burgers are fun – they’re not the core of a great culture. What people are looking for is an environment that supports and rewards excellence, honesty, mutual support, and fair dealing; where people get great results and they’re treated well….and neither is optional. Truly strong cultures are supported from the C-suite on down: the employees report that their boss – and their boss’ boss, and so on – live by the espoused values. That’s when a culture comes alive. People also want to feel that their strong culture exists to support meaningful work. For example...
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...into consideration. A closer at the company’s history, current culture, organizational structure and practices, strategic hiring practices, promotions and rewards and the regulatory environment in which the company operates were all taken into consideration. 1. Evaluate the existing compensation plan to determine if it is the most appropriate for your company. Booz Allen Company Booz takes proactive steps in creating conditions that offers its employee the ability to succeed and achieve their career goals and family balance. The company operates on the “Total Rewards Program” which main purpose is to provide “not only competitive compensation, retirement benefits, health benefits, and work-life and wellness programs, but also flexible work arrangements, leave programs, career growth opportunities, and much more” (Booz Allen Careers, 2012) The company is $5billion a year service and technology business with varying range of clients from the Federal government and private commercial entities within the United States and several nations around the globe. Their compensation package reflects the company’s strategic need to attracts, motivates, and retains the best people in the industry with highly competitive compensation and annual merit increase opportunities. 2. Determine the most beneficial ratio of internally consistent and market consistent compensations...
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...Organizational Objectives and Total Compensation in Different Markets NAME September 8, 2014 HRM 324 INSTRUCTOR Organizational Objectives and Total Compensation in Different Markets Total compensation is an important piece of the human resource puzzle. It is the thread that can tie valuable employees to the company and its overall success. The laws and regulations are significant in knowing and understanding in an attempt to apply that knowledge to the overall design of the total compensation package a company offers. Working as a federally contracted employer for more than 200 employees, certain laws and regulations will affect the total compensation package within the organization. One in particular is the Affordable Healthcare Act. Two biotech organizations and their total compensation package will be discussed. The Affordable Health Care Act The Affordable Health Care Act was designed to help all people obtain and maintain their healthcare coverage even in the event of loss of employment. The creation of the Afforadble Health Care Act allows insurance companies “from discriminating against anyone with a pre-existing condition, dropping your coverage if you get sick, billing you into bankruptcy because of an illness or injury, and limiting your annual or lifetime benefits” (www.whitehouse.gov, 2013). The Affordable Health Care Act was not received well from some of the population. It seemed to be not quite so affordable...
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...like to acknowledge Deepak Mishra sir for his invaluable support and guidance throughout our project. His expertise in the subject has helped us to accomplish our task successfully. Project Overview When you build on the Manage Base Benefitsadministration business, you can automate eligibility checking and respond to Human Resource events that might affect benefits.Also one can enroll on the bases of your eligibility and event rules and Administer multiple, simultaneous plan years, according to enrollment rules that you define. One can Calculate benefit costs and coverage amounts, define and process a variety of flexible credits, both general and plan-based. It is used federal users, administer multiple, simultaneous open seasons for different benefit plan types. One can establish the foundation for implementing self-service enrollment, and can define flexible spending account (FSA) information for employees. One can process health-care, dependent-care FSA claims andtrack and view claim and payment date. As- In Process As-In Data Flow Diagram. Overview of “As-is” System This type of benefit program happens in events where family status events changes. For eg.- Divorces. Such type of programs may also run when job related changes are done for eg- payments of dues. Also for events like retirement such systems are followed. Also for hiring and termination the benefits administration follows the above mentioned procedure. This is a cyclical process which happens at the...
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