Different ways of performing the same job
When considering applications for alternative working arrangements, Managers need to be aware that there are different ways available for employees to perform the same work.
In many occupations, with modern technology it is not always necessary for employees to be present at the workplace to access documents, files and the other resources that they need to perform their tasks. And even where people need to be present at the workplace, such as labourers and trades people, flexibilities in work hours and certain leave arrangements are generally possible.
White collar jobs
Here is a specific example of how an office or white-collar job can be performed differently depending on an employee’s working arrangements.
Mike and Andrea are both employed as senior accountants at an international organisation providing business services. Mike works five days a week and telecommutes on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Andrea works part-time, four days a week – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
The senior accountant’s role requires Mike and Andrea to undertake the following duties:
- Conducting audits for clients
- Writing reports on audit outcomes
- Providing accurate and detailed advice to clients
- Liaising directly with clients to identify and resolve issues
Mike and Andrea will perform most of these duties in exactly the same way, only Mike will perform them from his home office using remote access to the organisation’s network, intranet and the internet and telephone or email contact with his colleagues and clients.
They will need to manage their time carefully to ensure that face-to-face meetings and client presentations are scheduled for the days that they are working in the office.
Communication with work colleagues is of paramount importance, particularly for Mike given that he is only in the office on Monday and Friday. Team meetings are held every Monday morning. This gives everyone the opportunity to talk about what they are working on and to share ideas.
Mike and Andrea’s Manager has developed a different way of assessing Mike’s work performance as she doesn’t see him as regularly as her other staff members. She meets with Mike every Friday morning to briefly discuss the work that he has completed that week. Of course, she still has to sign off any reports that he prepares, so she is fully aware of the quality of his output.
The team is working extremely well under this arrangement. Occasionally, when other members of the team need to prepare urgent reports, they also telecommute for a day or two in order to complete the work without interruption. Of course, this is subject to operational convenience.
Blue collar jobs
So what about jobs that are mainly conducted outside and may require manual labour, such as in the construction industry? Can work-life balance be achieved in industries where this is often perceived as problematic and next to impossible?
Here is a specific example of how a trades person’s job could be performed differently through use of different working arrangements.
Bruce and Ben are both electricians working on a large construction site. Both are paid on an hourly rate covered in an enterprise bargaining agreement. This means that if they work more hours they can increase their pay packages substantially.
A standard working week in the construction industry is six days. For Bruce, a single 24-year old who is planning on buying his first home soon, this is not a problem. In fact the extra hours on Saturday help him a lot in getting a deposit together. He thus chooses to work Monday to Saturday.
Ben on the other hand is a father of a young child who already has a mortgage. Whilst the extra money associated with a 6-day week is appreciated, Ben finds it more important to spend time with his family on the weekend. He therefore has negotiated to work a compressed working week where he works longer hours each day over five days and thus eliminating the need for work on Saturday. A downside for Ben with this arrangement is that while in summer the extra daylight allows him to work enough hours during the week to adequately compensate for lost Saturday hours, in winter time this is harder, resulting in less money. However, Ben is happy with this arrangement and feels that spending time with his family is enough compensation.
The company is very satisfied with both workers and how they conduct their work. Whilst management tries not to ask Ben to come in on Saturday, they know that if they really need him, he is willing to come in. Ben says that his arrangement with his employer is a matter of give and take. “They normally don’t ask me to come in on Saturday, so I can spend time with my family. However, if they are short on people I am happy to give them a hand”.
Last updated 29 September 2009
Other languages