Chapter 8 - Recruitment, Selection and Training of Workers
Learning Objectives: To understand the difference between part-time and full-time workers; to understand the importance of training
Have you ever heard? Some workers are part-time workers, some workers are full-time workers. What is the difference?
Part-Time workers are considered so because they work around 20-30 hours/week in a job;
Full-Time workers, however, have a contract and usually work 40 hours/week in a job:
If you were a business owner: would you rather hire part-time or full-time workers for your business? Discuss in pairs (3 minutes).
Hiring part-time workers can bring plenty advantages:
There are skilled workers who are not willing to work full-time (image);
Part-time workers are flexible and can cover for absences or leaves from full-time ones'
The business can quickly adjust to changes in demand (peak times and seasons);
Part-time workers are believed to be more productive (less tired, more motivated);
Having several part-time workers increases variety of skills and experience in the business;
Part-time workers are not entitled to time-off (paid holidays) as full-time ones are.
However, there are advantages of having full-time workers too - and disadvantages of part-timers:
Part-time workers may need recurring trainings (costly);
Communication problems (different shifts and schedules) can arise from employing part-timers);
It can impact on the service provided to the customers if part-timers are employed in customer touch-point positions (e.g. customer service).
Discussion Time (3m): In your opinion, should companies provide training to workers? Why? Why not?
Think about this:
There are different reasons why training employees is a good idea:
So that workers can be efficient:
Improving workers' productivity and quality of work can bring benefits to the business, specially since it decreases costs.
When workers need new skills to perform their job:
- Workers changing jobs internally (different departments);
- New technology being introduced in the business requires new skills to be developed.
Training is a big motivator:
- Maslow Hierarchy of Needs: self-actualization;
- Workers are happy to learn new skills - professional development.
To attract and retain workers:
- Companies that offer training have an easier time attracting and recruiting workers;
- Workers are more likely to stay with companies that provide training and learning opportunities (lower turnover rate).
Training for managers improve the quality of decision making:
- The more knowledgeable managers are the better decisions they make;
- Better decisions can help the business increase revenues and decrease costs;
- Skilled managers increase the business competitiveness against competition.
Training decreases the risk of accidents:
- Well trained workers are less likely to get in to accidents;
- Well trained workers know health and safety procedures best;
Training can improve customer service:
- Well trained workers provide better service;
- Better service attracts and retains loyal customers;
- Happy customers = long-term profits.
To-Do-List:
Test Yourself (p. 114)
Chapter 8 - Recruitment, Selection and Training of Workers
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