Personal Responsibilities and Working in a Business Environment

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Please note that this Assessment document has 8 pages and is made up of 7 Sections.

Name: Michelle Malcolm Course: Business & Administration Unit: 1

Section 1 – Know the employment rights and responsibilities of the employee and employer

1. Identify four main points that would be included in a contract of employment. If possible, use an example contract to support your answer (feel free to obscure any confidential information).

1. Duties and responsibilities
2. Hours of work
3. Salary
4. Holiday Entitlement

2a) List three key points of legislation that affect employers in a business environment.

1. Pay and Pensions
2. Data protection
3. Health and safety

2b) List three key points of legislation that affect employees in a business environment.

1. Health and Safety
2. Equality and Diversity
3. Pay & Pensions

3. Identify a range of places where a person can find information on employment rights and responsibilities. You should identify at least two internal and two external sources of information.

A person can find information on employment rights and responsibilities from a line manager, a trade union representative, personnel specialists and even informed colleagues. External sources include the Citizens Advice Bureaux, legal professionals and the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

4. Describe how representative bodies can support employees.

A representative body may help with advise with problems at work, help find training, answer questions to rights and responsibilities, signpost the employee to an external body.

5. Briefly describe employer and employee responsibilities for equality and diversity in a business environment. You should give at least two employer responsibilities and two employee responsibilities.

It is the Employers responsibility to ensure that all members of their business are trained on the Equality and Diversity topics. They should also develop policies and procedures to address equality and diversity issues. They should also promote fair treatment. As an employee it is your responsibility to follow the policies and procedures put in place by the employer and attend all training sessions provided. It is also your responsibility to treat others with respect and be polite.

6. Briefly explain the benefits of making sure equality and diversity procedures are followed in a business environment. Your answer should include one benefit for the employer, one benefit for the employee and one benefit for the overall organisation.

Diversity can add real value to a business and should be seen as a positive thing. An equal and diverse business is likely to have more competent, motivated and productive employees. That will in turn provide a more successful organisation The employee can feel that the business is treating them fairly and that they will be treated fairly by other employees. The benefits for an employer would be the happy and productive workforce. It means that people with different views and experiences can learn new things.

Section 2 – Understand the purpose of health, safety and security procedures in a business environment

1. Identify employer and employee responsibilities for health, safety and security.

If possible, provide relevant health, safety and security policies / documents from your workplace (or place of study) to support your answer. These documents should be annotated to highlight the relevant sections.

The Health and Safety at Work Act states that everyone has a responsibility for health and safety in the work place. Employers have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure the health and safety of their workers and 3rd partys who may be affected by the work of the business under the Health and Safety Act 1974. They have a legal obligation to minimise the chances of a risk. They are responsible for making sure all machinery and work areas are safe as is reasonably practicable. And that all personal data is kept and shared following the Data Protection Act 1998. They are also responsible for informing employees of the procedures of the business either with procedures, manuals or training. An employee has the responsibility to follow procedures put in place by the employer to keep themselves and others safe in the work place. Conduct themselves in a manner that is not a risk to themselves or others. They should dress appropriately for their job role for example, protective clothing, loose jewellery etc. They have a obligation to report or take action if they feel there is a breach of health and safety or if they feel there is a risk.

2. Explain the purpose of following health, safety and security procedures in a business environment.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 states that a business must undertake specific procedures and specific actions to maintain the safety and wellbeing of its employees and others affected by its work. The purpose of following these rules are to protect employees and 3rd parties from coming to any harm. There is a moral and legal obligation to follow these rules. By not doing so you are likely to be reprimanded with fines, closure and even imprisonment. If it is an employee not following the rules the consequences could be as severe as being dismissed from their job. It is also economically beneficial for the company in the long run. It would save on fines for breaking the law, compensation to staff/3rd parties and the cost of losing customers aware of the problems. A business that follows the health n safety and security procedures shows that they care about the wellbeing of their staff, customers and others.

3. Describe three different ways of maintaining a safe and secure business environment.

Personal Conduct- Don’t wear jewellery and clothing that could be dangerous, not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and being alert and not tired at work. Personal Action- Be willing to take action to ensure the safety of yourself and others. You have an obligation to report any potential risk. Awareness and Observation- Be aware what’s happening in the workplace, notice any changes and hazards.

Section 3 – Understand how to communicate effectively with others

1. Complete the table below with descriptions of different methods of communication. You should include two verbal, two non-verbal and two written methods of communication.

|Methods of communication |Description | |Verbal communication |1. One to one discussions – you could be having a brief conversation| | |or a formal interview with someone. | | | | | |2. Phone calls – you could be having a conversation with a colleague| | |at a different site or a conference call. | | | | |Non-verbal communication |1. Facial expressions – you could be pulling an expression that | | |doesn’t match what you are saying. Like raising your eyebrows. | | | | | |2. posture/body language – folded arms could seem defensive. | | | | |Written communication |1. Reports – these could be formal or informal. | | | | | |2. E-mails – these could be formal or informal. | | | |

2. Using two specific examples, explain how to choose the most appropriate method of communication to meet your needs and the needs of others.

3. Describe at least two ways of actively listening.

Don’t interrupt, make notes and ask questions at appropriate times. Recap on what the speaker has said so you can make sure you have understand correctly.

Section 4 – Understand how to work with and support colleagues

1. Explain the purpose of agreeing standards for your own work. Give at least two reasons.

2. Explain the purpose of taking on new challenges and being able to adapt to change at work.

3. Explain the purpose of treating others with honesty and consideration.

Section 5 – Know how to plan own work and be accountable to others

1. Explain the purpose of meeting work standards and deadlines when completing tasks in a business environment.

2. Describe two different methods that you can use to plan your own work in a business environment.

3. Describe ways of keeping other people informed about progress and compare their effectiveness. What are the benefits and drawbacks of each approach?

Section 6 – Understand the purpose of improving own performance in a business environment and how to do so

1. Explain the purpose of continuously improving your performance in a business environment.

2. Describe at least two ways of improving your performance at work. Where relevant, illustrate your answer with specific examples from your own experience.

3. Briefly describe at least two different types of career pathways that may be available to you.

Section 7 – Understand the types of problems that may occur in a business environment and how to deal with them

1. Identify at least two different types of problems that can occur in a business environment.

2. Complete the table below by describing at least two specific problems that can occur at work and how they can be dealt with.