LoginPage 1: Introduction
As markets become increasingly competitive it is essential that employers and employees have a good working relationship and are pulling in the same direction. The employment relationship can have a major effect on productivity and the success of a business.
Staff relations
Increasingly, all types of organisations refer to how they aim to treat staff, in descriptions of their overall...
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Page 2: Working towards effective workplaces
Acas believes that effective workplaces are determined by the right behaviour, supported by policies and procedures.
As part of its aim to improve workplaces, it has recently published a clear description of its view of an effective workplace - The Acas Model Workplace. Acas is working with organisations to move towards the Model.
Acas believes the key features of an effective workplace...
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Page 3: Communication and consultation
A company's performance is determined by that of its employees. They will be most effective if they know where they stand (e.g. their duties, obligations and rights) and feel involved in the company's future by taking part in decisions and being well informed. This is particularly important when dealing with change.
Communication and consultation are essential to an effective workplace (as...
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Page 4: Acas services
Resolving large scale disputes (collective conciliation)
Although it is the area that most people associate with Acas, only around 10% of its staff work on this. The number of such disputes has been relatively stable over the last five years at around 1,300 a year and Acas has traditionally become involved once parties have reached a stalemate. It is now starting to work with organisations at...
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Page 5: Equality, diversity and effective workplaces
Equality and diversity
The workforce and working patterns are changing. The working population is getting older and there are more women and men from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Employees rightly expect to be treated fairly and considerately. This expectation is generally supported by the law.
It is illegal to discriminate against people at work on the grounds...
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Page 6: Conclusion
Good working relationships are vital for every organisation. The health of the UK economy is determined by the performance of all these organisations added together.
The government set up Acas to help employers and employees avoid disputes and resolve them where necessary. As an impartial organisation trusted by all sides, Acas encourages them to work closer together.
Acas is increasingly...
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