Galaxy Fashion Company’s Flexible Work Practices

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Executive Summary

A primary intention of the paper is to evaluate and describe the ways to enhance HRM practices in Galaxy Fashion Co. Firstly, the role of HRM was described. After that, the flexible work practices and attracting and retaining talent were analyzed with the help of peer-reviewed articles and textbooks. Usage of relevant and trustful sources helps see the potential benefits and challenges, which the company might face during the implementation process.

It is apparent that the application of all flexible work techniques is not necessary. However, flexible working hours will contribute to corporate image development. Using a contingent workforce and distance working will reduce costs. Nonetheless, usage of these techniques can pose some challenges and losses.

Moreover, the company has to implement all of the attracting and retaining talent strategies, as they improve the efficiency of the services. Firstly, a company has to focus on building a positive image to attract a skilled workforce. After that, it has to provide favorable conditions for development. It could be implemented with the help of training, career development, and reward and recognition system.

Introduction

HRM is an important part, which is required for the sufficient functioning of the company. The primary goal of this essay is to report the importance of HRM in Galaxy Fashion Co. As the company focuses on the fashion retail sector, it is important to provide high-quality services to women’s fashion customers. In this case, the enhancement of HRM techniques is vital, as it has a vehement impact on the quality of provided services. Two HRM practices, such as flexible work practices and attracting and retaining talent, were chosen to enhance organizational performance. The primary characteristics of these two practices were established with the help of the literature review. Moreover, the report explains possible implementations of these practices in Galaxy Fashion Co. Furthermore, the benefits of flexible work practices and attracting and retaining talent are evaluated in terms of their influence on productivity. In the end, the conclusions are made.

Role of HRM

It is clear that HRM is an essential attribute of the company’s sustainability and development, as it is a primary determinant of control of the quality of services. It is necessary for any business, as it has a vehement correlation with ethics, leadership, management, and other vital aspects of the company’s sustainability (Nankervis et al. 2013). In the case of Galaxy Fashion Co., paying great attention to human resource management is also vital. HRM plays an essential role in the fashion retail industry. In this case, the primary duties of human resource managers include decision-making regarding the necessity of hiring, recruiting, training, and maintaining the KPIs on a sufficient level (Granger 2012). It could be said that the fashion industry is more complicated than other business spheres. Consequently, the advancement and enhancement of these practices is the essentiality to maintain competitiveness on the market and provide high-quality services in the fashion retail industry.

Flexible Work Practices

As the first instrument for the HRM enhancement, the flexible working practices were chosen. It could be said that the exact definition could not be provided, as the term is rather vague. However, the work flexibility can be explained as a possibility to work freely without a particular attachment to the regular schedule (Woodward 2012). It is questionable whether this strategy is effective or not. However, this chapter focuses on potential benefits, which Galaxy Fashion Co. can gain. As it seems that in the fashion industry, flexibility is a necessity.

The primary reason for choosing these techniques is the fact that in the article Doing More with Less? Flexible Working Practices and the Intensification of Work by Kelliher and Anderson, the authors claim that flexible working practices enhance job performance (Kelliher & Anderson 2010). In this case, the social theory is applied, as workers trade their flexibility for high effort (Kelliher & Anderson 2010). It could be said that this article contributes to seeing flexible practices as a beneficial tool for the implementation.

Moreover, in the article Friendly Flexible Working Practices within the Internal Marketing Framework: A Service Perspective by Podnar and Golob, the authors emphasize that creating and maintaining favorable conditions for the flexible work is essential, as it has a strong influence on the service quality (Podnar & Golob 2010). It could be said implementing these practices will be beneficial for Galaxy Fashion Co., as it will contribute to the boost in its productivity and overall performance.

Flexible Work Timings

Flexible work timing is one of the types of flexible working practices. Firstly, the flexible working timing has to be explained. It could be said that flexible working time can be referred to as the ability to choose and adjust the working schedule to the needs and demands. It could be said that the implementation of this technique will be beneficial, as it will allow workers to distribute their time efficiently.

According to the article, Flexible friends? Flexible working time arrangements, blurred work-life boundaries, and friendship by Pedersen and Lewis, it could be suggested that the primary benefit of the implementation of flexible work timings is the ability to maintain work and leisure time in balance (Pedersen & Lewis 2012). Nonetheless, a strong paradox occurred, as the workers with flexible hours tend to have more projects and deadlines than the ones on a regular schedule (Pedersen & Lewis 2012). It could be said that the application of this technique will be beneficial from the commitment to work perspective. However, it might damage the social life of employees and decrease the amount of time spent with relatives in friends. Some adjustments to schedules have to be made to avoid this situation.

In turn, the report The Role of the Informal Sector, Flexible Working Time and Pay in the Russian Labor Market Model by Kapelyushnikov, Kuznetsov, and Kuznetsova focuses on the fact that implementation of the flexible timing helps the employer reduces costs required for the maintenance of the HRM (Kapelyushnikov, Kuznetsov & Kuznetsova 2012). Moreover, more and more employees in Russia tend to practice informal law and legislation (Kapelyushnikov, Kuznetsov & Kuznetsova 2012). It could be said that even though the research is rather limited to the particular geographical location, it still provides information about the possible ways of increasing the productivity of Galaxy Fashion Co. by implementing this technique.

Use of Contingent Workforce

The contingent workforce can be defined as employing a temporary worker for projects or other short-term activities (Horne, Williamson & Herman 2014). It could be said that these techniques are also used by companies to increase productivity. However, the effectiveness of this approach is questionable. It is unclear whether the implementation of this method is beneficial for the enterprise.

In the article Workforce-Related Risks in Projects with a Contingent Workforce by Becker and Smidt, the authors discuss possible risks, which might occur while using the contingent workforce (Becker & Smidt 2015). The study is applicable to this topic, as it mentions the possible risks, such as an organizational one (Becker & Smidt 2015). However, it is limited to the oil and gas industry. Consequently, potential outcomes might be different in other areas. Nonetheless, the primary principles will remain the same.

In the article Differentiating the Workforce: The Performance Effects of Using Contingent Labor in a Context of High-Performance Work Systems by Stirpe, Bonache, and Revilla, it was also mentioned that the usage of the contingent workforce is beneficial, as it helps reduce costs (Stirpe, Bonache & Revilla 2013). This point is reasonable, as part-time or seasonal workers are paid less than the full-time ones. It occurs due to temporary employment and a lack of expertise in the field. It could be said that both of the mentioned articles prove that the primary benefit of this strategy is the cost reduction. However, the possible adverse outcomes have to be evaluated while implementing this method.

Working from Home

Working from home implies that an employee is not physically present in the office, as he/she is able to perform his/her duties distantly (Fitzpatrick & Fishman 2008). A definite intention of these techniques implementation is questionable. Sometimes the consequences of the distance working are beneficial, but from time to time, the outcomes have a negative impact on the company’s performance.

The article Working from Home as Alternative for Achieving Work-Life Balance by Krasulja, Vasiljevic-Blagojevic, and Radojevic emphasizes the positive influences of this type of activity on an employee’s life, as finding the balance between leisure activities and work becomes easier (Krasulja, Vasiljevic-Blagojevic & Radojevic 2015). It could be said that this argument proves the ability of distance working to improve the social life of the worker. This matter has to be taken into account while implementing the techniques.

The article The Ban on Working From Home Makes Sense for Yahoo: It Needs the Innovation and Speed of Delivery That Come from Office-Based Employees by Pathak, Bathini, and Kandathil explains, in which conditions this strategy is the most applicable. In the case of some companies, working from home has an adverse impact on the sustainability and development (Pathak, Bathini & Kandathil 2015). The Yahoo example discovers that sometimes this technique is useless, especially if the company seeks innovation and development (Pathak, Bathini & Kandathil 2015). This issue has to be evaluated while using the strategy for the enhancement of HRM in Galaxy Fashion Co.

Application of these techniques in Galaxy Fashion Co.

After reviewing trustful literature sources, the possible suggestions for the HRM enhancement can be introduced. It could be said that the most suitable technique for Galaxy Fashion Co. is the introduction of flexible timing. However, some of the schedules have to be set, as it will allow the workers to plan their leisure time actively. Moreover, it will enhance their ability to work more efficiently.

As for the contingent workforce, it could be said that this technique can only be implemented during the seasonal necessities. It is the most reasonable solution, as this technique has a significant amount of drawbacks. Lack of expertise is one of them. This fact will lead to decreased quality of the provided services. Consequently, this instrument can only be implemented for short-term activities.

Speaking of working from home, it is beneficial only for employing systems administrators. However, direct contact still might be necessary, as not all the issues can be solved online or on the phone. In case, if Galaxy Fashion Co. is seeking innovation, this strategy is not applicable, as most of the ideas are generated during the group discussions.

Attracting and Retaining Talent

Attracting and retaining talent is another possible way of generating a positive relationship with employees and enhancing the productivity of the organization. The article Attracting and Retaining Talent: The Importance of First Impressions by Yamamura mentions that it is vital for the organization to fulfill vacant positions with skilled employees (Yamamura 2011). Moreover, the author suggests that the company should pay attention to the development of the skills of talented employees (Yamamura 2011). This fact helps generate higher revenues and produce high-quality products and services. Moreover, it is clear that skilled labor will be essential for innovation and development, as the talented workforce has a lot of ideas, which can be considered for the implementation. It could be said that this article contributes to defining potential benefits for Galaxy Fashion Co. if the enterprise decides to implement these techniques to increase its productivity in the future.

Strong Employer Branding

Strong branding provided by the company is another tool for attracting a talented workforce and generating higher revenues. In the article Employer Branding: Strategy for Improving Employer Attractiveness by Chhabra and Sharma, the authors provide the possible strategies, which can increase employer’s recognition among the students (Chhabra & Sharma 2014). It could be said that attraction and building the right image to attract skilled labor remains challenging, as a company has to have its well-established values, vision, and principles (Chhabra & Sharma 2014). Understanding the primary attributes of employers branding is vital in HRM, as it contributes to the attraction of talented specialists.

The report Employer Branding: Strategic Implications for Staff Recruitment by Wilden, Gudergan, and Lings defines a combination of various factors, which potential employees have in mind while thinking about a particular company (Wilden, Gudergan & Lings 2010). Furthermore, the importance of this act was discussed, as there is intense competition among employers for attracting skillful workforce (Wilden, Gudergan & Lings 2010). It is clear that Galaxy Fashion has to pay substantial attention to building a brand.

Reward and Recognize

Reward and recognition should be the essentialities of the corporate culture (Sharma 2009). The article From Pay to Praise? Non-Cash Employee Recognition in Canadian and Australian Firms by Long and Shields provides information about using non-cash awards to thank employees for their personal achievements (Long & Shields 2010). Moreover, it becomes apparent that both cash and non-cash rewards are used (Long & Shields, 2010). This information can be beneficial for the Galaxy Fashion Co., as the article suggests the possible ways to reward the employees.

Training and Career Development

It has to be mentioned that training and career development are also essentialities to improve the productivity of the company. The book Managing Human Resources by Jackson, Schuler, and Werner emphasizes that connection between the HR department and the employees is a necessity (Jackson, Schuler & Werner 2011). Moreover, it implies that training and possible career development enhance the performance of the employees and contribute to building trustful relationships between them (Jackson, Schuler & Werner 2011). It could be said that paying keen attention to training will help Galaxy Fashion Co. achieve higher recognition on the market and improve the efficiency of the services. Moreover, it is an essential attribute of HRM, as the workers have a tendency to develop continuously and enhance their skills and abilities.

Application of these techniques by Galaxy Fashion Co.

It is clear that Galaxy Fashion Co. has to implement all of the strategies mentioned above to enhance its services. Firstly, the brand image has to be constructed. In this case, the fundamental values of the company have to be defined. Furthermore, it has to establish its corporate culture and follow its principles.

As for the recognition and rewards, Galaxy Fashion Co. has to implement both cash and non-cash recognition for the various achievements. The cash rewards can be granted for the development of different innovative ideas, which can enhance the company’s productivity in the future. As for non-cash awards, they can be used as individual presents for various occasions, such as birthdays. The establishment of a reward system will help build the company’s image and attract employees that are more talented.

Lastly, paying substantial attention to training and career development is also vital. Training can be implemented in the form of various seminars and classes. As for professional development, possibilities for raise have to be discussed every half a year. This technique will allow seeing employees’ intentions and desires for career development. Moreover, the workers will be able to receive information about the open vacancies. Remaining focused on this matter will allow workers to achieve higher results.

Benefits of Flexible Work Practices

The principle advantage of the implementation of flexible work practices is the fact that all of them contribute to the cost reduction. While working from home, less office space is needed. Consequently, financial resources can be saved from rent. Additionally, using a contingent workforce allows reducing the amount of money necessary for salaries. As wages of incompetent part-time employees are lower, it allows saving money and using them for other purposes. Lastly, the flexible working hours increase the workers’ contribution to work. It could be said that these aspects benefit the company financially. Moreover, it will attract more skilled specialists, as the freedom of scheduling is given.

However, some losses might occur, as distance workers might not reply rapidly to urgent messages. Moreover, part-time employees might make mistakes and be a cause of the decrease in clientele. The Galaxy Fashion Co. has to be prepared for these challenges while applying these strategies.

Benefits of Attracting and Retaining Talent

It is clear that Galaxy Fashion Co. will boost its productivity while implementing attracting and retaining talent strategy. Firstly, enhancing the brand image of the company will contribute to attracting skilled and talented specialists. It is clear that this matter will be beneficial for the company and improve the quality of services, as the skilled workforce is able to perform its tasks and generate ideas efficiently. Moreover, it will be advantageous from the financial perspective, as fewer recourses will be required for the maintenance of recruitment. Consequently, more financial resources can be devoted to innovation and development.As for the rewards and training, these factors will also improve the productivity of workers. Additionally, the quality of work will increase dramatically, as fewer mistakes will be made. Consequently, fewer resources will be spent on improving the conditions and solving conflicts with the customers. Furthermore, the employees will be able to perform their duties without additional assistance. These factors are the primary attributes of productivity improvement, as the production, distribution, and sales process will be maintained.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it could be said that adequate maintenance of HRM is an essentiality for the success of every company. Attracting and retaining talent and flexible work practices were evaluated with the help of textbooks and peer-reviewed articles and publications. This analysis contributes to defining and evaluating techniques, which are actively implemented by HRM. In this case, Galaxy Fashion Co. has to apply all of the tools since all of them are beneficial for the company’s success and productivity. It could be said that training, career development, brand image, recognition, and rewards have to be an essential part of the company’s HRM, as they are the key drivers of productivity enhancement. As for the flexible working practices, the implementation of these techniques will also boost the efficiency of the enterprise. However, possible drawbacks might also occur, and Galaxy Fashion Co. has to be prepared for challenges.

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