Chapter 8 : Recruitment, Selection and Training of employees

recruitment

the process from identifying that the business needs to employ someone up to the point at which applications have arrived at the business.

employee selection

the process of evaluating candidates for a specific job and selecting an individual for employment based on the needs of the organization.

why do people recruit

• if an employee resigns

• if its new business starting up

• if it’s a successful business and wants to expand

job analysis

identifies and records the responsibilities and tasks relating to a job

job description

outlines the responsibilities and duties to be carried out by someone employed to do a specific job

job description functions

• it is given to applicants so they know exactly what the job entails

• it will allow a job specification to be drawn up, so that candidates can check if they fit in with the requirements

job specification

a document that outlines the requirements, qualifications, characteristics etc. needed for a specific job

internal recruitment

when a vacancy is filled by someone who is an existing employee of the business.

advantages of internal recruitment

• quicker and cheaper, no expensive advertising

• person is already known to the business

• person knows how the organization works

• can be motivating for other employees to see their fellow employees get promoted

disadvantages of internal recruitment

• no new ideas or experience come into the business

• rivalry and jealousy amongst employees

external recruitment

when a vacancy is filed by someone who is not an existing employee and will be new to the business

different tests in the selection process

• skills tests - ability to carry out certain tasks

• aptitude tests - potential to gain new skills, ex. intelligence tests

• personality tests - example, if the person can work under pressure and stress

• group situation tests - see how well the candidate can work with others and the way they tackle tasks each other

part-time employees

someone who works fewer hours than a full time employee

benefits to employing part time employees

• more flexible in hours of work

• easier to ask employees to work at busy times

• reduces business costs

drawbacks to employing part time employees

• less likely to be promoted

• difficult to communicate with part time employees

• likely to leave the job, as they aren’t as committed to the business

induction training

introduction is given to a new employee, explaining the business’s activities, customs procedures and introducing them to their fellow workers

on the job training

occurs by watching a more experienced worker doing the job

off the job training

involves being trained away from the workplace

advantages of induction training

• helps employees settle into their jobs

• workers are less likely to make mistakes

disadvantages of induction training

• time consuming

• wages are paid but no work is done by the worker

• delays the employee from starting their job ASAP

advantages of on the job training

• costs less than off the job training

• training tailored to the specific needs of the business

disadvantages of on the job training

• trainer won’t be as productive

• trainer may have bad habits and pass them onto the trainee

advantages of off the job training

• broad range of skills can be taught

• if skills are taught after working hours, then the business won’t lose output

disadvantages of off the job training

• costs are high

• additional qualifications make it easier for the employee to leave and find another job

workforce planning

• is establishing workforce needed by the business for the foreseeable future in terms of number and skills of employees required

dismissal

when employment is ended against the will of the employee, usually for not working in accordance with the employment contract.

redundancy

is when an employee is no longer needed and so loses their job. It is not due to any aspect of their work being unsatisfactory.

factors to decide which workers to make redundant

• some workers may volunteer and be happy to be made redundant

• length of time employed by the business - workers who worked in the business for a long time are retained

• workers with essential skills are retained

contract of employment

a legal agreement between an employer and an employee, listing the rights and responsibilities of workers

impacts of contract of employment

• both employer and employee know what is expected of them

• if employee doesn’t meet the conditions of the contract then legal dismissal is allowed

• if employer fails to meet the conditions of the contract then the employee can take legal action

unfair dismissal

when an employer ends a worker’s contract of employment for a reason that is not covered by the contract

impact of unfair dismissal on employer and employee

• employer must keep accurate records of worker’s performance

• makes a business less likely to treat employees unfairly

• allows employees to take their employer to industrial tribunal