Unit 2 task 4 in-class validation revision

work life balance

The need to maintain balanced life and work roles.

E.g. Having a flexible calendar/timetable for work related things and home related things.

work patterns

The work schedule structure. Patterns include flexitime, different types of shift work, full‐time, part-time, fly‐in, fly‐out (FIFO), casual and job-sharing arrangements.

E.g. FIFO

work setting

The circumstances or conditions that surround an individual and the location where a task is completed. It involves the physical geographical location as well as the immediate surroundings of the workplace, such as a construction site or office building. It typically involves other factors relating to the place of employment, such as the quality of the air, noise level, and additional perks and benefits of employment, such as free childcare or unlimited coffee, or adequate parking. Also referred to as work environment.

E.g. Being in a classroom with children

work processes

Work in any organisation is performed through processes. A process is a series of work steps directed to a particular end or output. To ensure staff are as productive as possible, the work processes need to be defined and enabled by tools and systems.

E.g. an employee submits a project approval form, the manager approves it, and the project begins.

workplace activity

The ratio of output to input in production.

E.g. Having a clear space when working

explain the difference between tertiary (White Collar) and trade (Blue Collar) occupations. Provide examples.

White-collar jobs typically involve management, administration, and specialized professional roles, often linked with higher education and office environments. Blue-collar jobs, on the other hand, focus on skilled trades and manual labor, essential to industries like construction and manufacturing.

White collar e.g. accountant, lawyer, architect
Blue collar e.g. welder, mechanic, electrician

explain the challenges women face in non-traditional work roles

Construction worker– gender discrimination, inadequate bathrooms, and the need to constantly prove oneself in a male-dominated environment.

Mechanic– physical limitations, lack of support from male colleagues, and under-representation in the field.

Soldier– Sexual harassment, poor work-life balance, and the macho culture prevalent in military settings.

5 different types of work environment

1. Traditional work spaces

2. Contemporary workspaces

3. Virtual workplaces

4. Mobile work environments

5. Dangerous environments

part‐time

Work patterns vary depending on when you schedule your shifts.

E.g. barista, gym employee, maccas employee

full-time

Work patterns are usually the same, but not always.

E.g. teacher, nurse, doctor, engineer

FIFO

A common work pattern is 2 weeks on 1 week off but they can vary depending on your life etc.

E.g. miners, electrician, chef, engineer

volunteer

Work patterns can vary depending on when you want to volunteer, where etc.

E.g. animal shelter, homeless shelter, surf life saver

advantages of full-time

• Predictable schedule

• Easier collaboration during regular business hours

disadvantage of full-time

• Inflexible for personal needs outside of work hours

• Potential for burnout due to rigid structure

advantages of flexible hours

• Allows employees to accommodate personal obligations

• Potential for increased productivity due to personalized work schedules

disadvantages of flexible hours

• Coordination challenges for team meetings

• Difficulty in maintaining consistent team communication

advantages of part-time

• Better work-life balance

• Flexibility to pursue other interests or responsibilities

disadvantages of part-time

• Reduced income compared to full-time positions

• Limited career advancement opportunities

advantages of compressed work week

• Longer weekends or more consecutive days off

• Reduced carbon footprint with fewer commutes

disadvantages of compressed work week

• Longer workdays can lead to fatigue and reduced productivity

• Scheduling conflicts may arise due to non-standard work hours

advantages of shift work

• Coverage of operations over extended hours

• Flexibility in scheduling for round-the-clock services

disadvantages of shift work

• Disruption of circadian rhythms and sleep patterns

• Potential for inconsistent work-life balance