1d. Different Ways of Working

What does technological developments and flexible working arrangements mean?

That businesses now have several options for organising the way workers are employed

What are the ways of working?

• Full-time

• Part-time

• Shift working

• Freelance

• Flexible hours

• Permanent Contract

• Temporary contract - fixed term & zero hours

What is full-time work?

An employee usually working for more than 35 hours per week, often spread over five days each week

• Examples: Teachers, office workers, pilots, police officers, doctors and nurses

What is part-time work?

An employee working for only part of the working week, or anything less than full time. Often, they may work for two, three or four days a week.

• Examples: Commonly found in the retail industry, where a shift role may only be required on certain days or times

What is shift working?

Working set hours outside of the normal nine-to-five pattern and usually on a rotation basis

• Example: Working during the night for one week followed by a week of working during daytime hours, with time off between the types of shift

What is permanent contract?

One that has no fixed end date. The employee may stay within the business until either they decide to leave or the job role no longer exists. Are suited to certain types of more stable, long-term job roles, such as nurses, pilots and teachers

What is a temporary contract?

One that has a specific end date, where the worker is only employed for a certain period of time. These are very common within the retail industry and in other industries with seasonal demand

• Example: a high street shop would require more staff over the Christmas period, so it would employ staff on temporary contracts

What is flexible hour work?

May be full-time or part-time and have some choice over when they complete their hours of work. Employees are given a set number of hours to work in a week, month or year but get to choose when they work

• Example: A business might let employees start work any time between 7am and 10am, then depending on start time, finish between 3pm and 6pm

Who is flexible working hours beneficial to?

Both businesses and employees, as offering this can lead to higher staff retention and better productivity, while also providing employees with versatility in their personal lives

What is a zero-hour contract?

An employee has no specified number of hours per week. Instead, they are given work when the business requires them

Who is a zero-hour contract beneficial to?

The business as it fills business shortages. It also provides employees with a lot of flexibility, but it can lead to uncertainty about whether they will get any work, and they may not receive a regular income

What is a freelance contract?

A self-employed contractor who works for a variety of businesses for a specific project on a job-by-job basis, and isn’t a permanent employee. This is very common in the creative industries, such as when a business needs an advertisement, promotional photographs or a new logo.