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Assess the likely value of flexible working to small family-owned restaurants, such as The Wonky Table. - Edexcel - A-Level Business - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 3
Question 2
Assess the likely value of flexible working to small family-owned restaurants, such as The Wonky Table.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Assess the likely value of flexible working to small family-owned restaurants, such as The Wonky Table. - Edexcel - A-Level Business - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 3
Step 1
Value of flexible working:
Answer
Flexible working arrangements, such as part-time contracts and job rotation, can greatly benefit small family-owned restaurants like The Wonky Table. By enabling staff to vary their work, the management can control costs more effectively, especially during quieter times. For instance, part-time staff are less likely to be employed on busy days, thereby reducing labor costs in times of lower demand.
Furthermore, job rotation can enhance productivity by providing varied tasks, making employees feel more engaged and reducing monotony. This can potentially improve the overall quality of service and enhance customer satisfaction, which is critical for a restaurant's reputation.
Step 2
Possible counter-balance:
Answer
Despite these advantages, not all positions at The Wonky Table lend themselves to flexible working. Roles such as the Front of House Manager and Head Chef require a more structured approach due to the specialized skills involved. Allowing assistants to perform these jobs may hinder the restaurant's quality of service.
Job rotation might also lead to challenges as staff may have differing levels of motivation. Some employees might not enjoy the reduced complexity of rotating jobs, preferring more challenging tasks, which can lead to dissatisfaction and higher turnover rates.
Step 3
Potential judgment:
Answer
In the restaurant industry, high staff turnover is a common issue that can affect business continuity and increase recruitment and training costs. Implementing flexible working may exacerbate this issue for The Wonky Table, as staff may feel less inclined to develop their skills with the potential of temporary roles.
Moreover, lower retention rates can lead to the continuous cycle of hiring and training, which diverts focus from providing quality service. This suggests that while flexible working has its benefits, careful consideration is needed to assess its impact on employee satisfaction and business stability.