Approaches to Staffing

What is multiskilling?

Training employees in multiple different skillsets

Why is multiskilling good?

Employees can easily fill in for others and can complete tasks outside of their speciality

What is outsourcing?

Tasks are completed by a 3rd party organisation

What are flexible hours?

Different start times to work day

What is a zero hour contract?

On call to work when needed

What is homeworking?

Working from home

Why is outsourcing good?

Increases quality as things are created by someone who is specialist

Why is a flexible workforce good for the business?

• Helps with supply and demand

• Easy to respond to people leaving the workplace

What is a flexible workforce?

Workers able to take on as many jobs as possible to meet business needs

Why is a flexible workforce bad for employees?

Lack of job security

What is job sharing?

2 part time workers share 1 full time position

What is dismissal?

Termination of employment against employee’s will

What is redundancy?

Employee’s job is no longer needed

What is collective bargaining?

Employer and union agrees to negotiate pay

What is the individual approach?

Employee bargains pay for own interest

What are advantages of the individual approach?

No conflict or comprimising

What are the disadvantages of individual approach?

Manager won’t take notice, it won’t influence

What are the advantages of collective bargaining?

Can influence business

What are the disadvantages of collective bargaining?

Can be seen as depriving workers of individual liberty

What is soft HR?

Staff are treated as a valuable asset

What is hard HR?

Staff are treated as a resource

What are the advantages of soft HR?

• High motivation

• Stress minimised

What are the advantages of hard HR?

• Efficiency

• Control

What are the disadvantages of soft HR?

• Costly - employee focused programs

• Lack of focus

What are the disadvantages of hard HR?

• Disengagement

• High turnover

Why does redundancy happen?

• Shrinking company (rationalism)

• Closure

• Restructuring

• New technology

Why does dismissal happen?

Incompetance or lack of discipline