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Ways of working
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Not everyone works nine to five in one office. Businesses use different contracts and working patterns to get the staff they need.
Hours
Full-time: usually around 35 to 40 hours a week.
Part-time: fewer hours. Gives the business flexibility at busy times.
Flexible hours: staff choose when they work, within limits (for example flexitime, or job share where two people split one job).
Part-time: fewer hours. Gives the business flexibility at busy times.
Flexible hours: staff choose when they work, within limits (for example flexitime, or job share where two people split one job).
Contracts
Permanent: no end date; gives security and loyalty.
Temporary: for a fixed period, such as seasonal or casual work at Christmas or in summer.
Freelance: self-employed people hired for a specific job, such as a web designer.
Temporary: for a fixed period, such as seasonal or casual work at Christmas or in summer.
Freelance: self-employed people hired for a specific job, such as a web designer.
Technology and working
Laptops, the internet and video calls allow remote working from home or anywhere.
This can improve efficiency and save office costs, and staff like the flexibility. But it can be harder to supervise, communicate and build team spirit.
This can improve efficiency and save office costs, and staff like the flexibility. But it can be harder to supervise, communicate and build team spirit.
A toy shop hires extra staff for November and December only. What type of contract is this?
- The job lasts a fixed, short period.
- It meets seasonal demand.
Answer: Temporary (seasonal) contract
Hours: full-time, part-time and flexible (including job share). Contracts: permanent, temporary (seasonal, casual) and freelance. Technology allows remote working, which can raise efficiency but makes supervision harder.
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