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Assess the likely value of having a flexible workforce for a business, such as Nestlé. - Edexcel - A-Level Business - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 3
Question 1
Assess the likely value of having a flexible workforce for a business, such as Nestlé.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Assess the likely value of having a flexible workforce for a business, such as Nestlé. - Edexcel - A-Level Business - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 3
Step 1
Value of Having Flexible Working
Answer
A flexible workforce enables Nestlé to have greater flexibility in how they deploy their staff, allowing variations in working patterns while maintaining control over costs. For instance, finance staff could be allowed to work from home, which may enhance productivity as they will not need to travel to and from the office. Additionally, flexible roles across different departments can help Nestlé respond effectively to changes in demand, particularly in fluctuating markets like the chocolate industry. Moreover, marketing staff at Gatwick HQ may be more motivated if permitted to bring their dogs to work, potentially increasing their productivity.
Step 2
Possible Counter-balance of Flexible Working
Answer
While flexibility offers various benefits, there are potential drawbacks. Staff in production roles, for instance, may not find it feasible to work from home due to the necessity of being physically present to operate machinery essential for chocolate production. Moreover, those who do not have dogs may feel resentment toward colleagues who bring theirs, potentially affecting workplace relationships. Also, distractions caused by pets might lower overall productivity, especially among those classified as McGregor's X-type employees who may require closer supervision.
Step 3
Judgment on the Effectiveness of Flexible Working
Answer
The effectiveness of flexible working in addressing staffing needs largely depends on the specific nature of the roles within the business. For production jobs, which are inherently hands-on, the challenges of implementing flexible working could outweigh its benefits. Thus, while it is likely to be beneficial in roles such as finance or marketing, the practicalities of various job functions must be considered for successful integration across the organization.