Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Understand the factors that contribute to
an ef ective workplace
SECTION 4
Members of staff function best when they are provided
with a well-designed and well-equipped workplace. In
order to create an effective workplace, managers and
owners must consider a range of issues, such as the
working environment, working relationships, incentives
and staff training.
Working environment
The nature of many travel and touri
s
m organisations
means that the workplace for staff is often the facility
itself, e.g. a hotel, cruise s
h
ip,
museum, aircraft or
outdoor activity centre. It g
o
es
without saying that the
location of the workplace
must be functional and give
staff access to the nec
es
sary equipment and resources
to carry out their duti
e
s effectively, which may include:
An unusual working environment at Alton Towers!
•
Comput
er
equipment, e.g. laptops, computerised
•
A day off each week;
reserv
at
ion systems (CRS), internet access, etc;
•
Take a 20-minute break if they work more than six
•
C
o
mmunications equipment, e.g. mobile 'phones,
hours.
t
wo-way radio, audio-visual equipment, fax
machines, etc;
Special rules apply to staff aged 16 and 17. In general,
they should take at least 30 minutes' break if they work
more than four-and-a-half hours, and work no more
than eight hours a day and 40 hours per week. Certain
employment sectors are excluded from the Working
Time Regulations.
•
Use of vehicles for transporting customers, staff and
equipment;
•
Technical equipment, e.g. for catering, at activity
centres, sports equipment, etc.
The working environment must meet all necessary
health and safety regulations, and be subject to regular
risk assessments.
Weblink
Check out this website for the full details
concerning employees' maximum working
hours.
www.businesslink.gov.uk
Hours of work
Motivation at work
The hours that staff work are governed by the Working
Time Regulations, which came into force in 1998 to
implement the EU Working Time Directive. In general,
workers aged 18 and over are entitled to:
Good managers know that there is more to getting
the best out of staff than simply providing them with
the right equipment to do their job. Developing an
effective workforce involves motivating them to achieve
their full potential. The fi nancial incentives studied later
•
Work no more than an average 48 hours a week;
•
5.6 weeks' holiday per year;
