Unit CU678

Unit CU678- Work in a Business Environment

1 - Understand how to respect other people at work

1.1 - Describe what is meant by diversity and why should it be valued.

Diversity can be differences in race, gender, heritage, cognitive style, ethnic group, age, personality, physical appearance and mental capabilities. Diversity means that people are valued for their differences. Diversity not only involves how people perceive themselves, but how they perceive others. Those perceptions affect their interactions. Diversity should be respected and valued because nobody is completely the same as anyone else. People tend to reject what is different. Our differences can lead to growth and development but also problems as these differences can cause tension in a workplace. Regardless of their background, everyone has a right to their own thoughts and opinions which can and will be beneficial in the workplace.

1.2 - Describe how to treat other people in a way that is sensitive to their needs.

People who have different beliefs or look different to yourself have every right to be treated in the same way you would want to be treated with dignity and respect. Everyone is different and their needs should be assessed on an individual basis.

1.3 - Describe how to treat other people in a way that respects their abilities, background, values, customs and beliefs.

I think the best way is to be a tolerant, open minded person and to remember that everyone has different ways of doing things and that most of the time there is not just one right way of doing something. Everyone should be treated fairly regardless of their abilities, background, values, customs and beliefs. We should all be understanding and sympathetic towards all types of people. It is good to show interest in other peoples cultures and beliefs.

1.4 - Describe ways in which it is possible to learn from others at work. It is possible to learn from other people at work by watching what they do and how they do things, listening to others, asking people for information and advice, talk to people and ask questions, ask people to show you how to do things and work alongside other people to learn.

2 - Understand how to maintain security and confidentiality at work and deal with concerns

2.1 - Describe the purpose and benefits of maintaining security and confidentiality at work.

The purpose to maintaining security and confidentiality at work is to protect the customers and the company from external threats. The company can face severe fines and loss of trust for breaching confidentiality therefore take measures to prevent this from happening. Another purpose and benefit is that it builds trust and gives the company a good reputation as the customers are put at ease knowing that their personal information is not going to be shared with other parties.

2.2 - Describe requirements for security and confidentiality in an organisation.

If an organisation stores any information on people its needs to meet requirements set out in the Data Protection Act. The information should be stored securely whether it is paper based or electronically. The organisation should have an access to information policy. Anyone who has information stored about them has access to it on request and after completing security procedures (all vary depending on organisation). The information should not be given to third parties unless there are criminal implications and the courts demand it, or it is with the consent of the person themselves. Security in the workplace covers a range of issues, including taking steps to prevent the theft of physical property, to stop people hacking into computer files and to dispose of confidential documents securely. Organisations also need to ensure that their commercial information is kept secure from competitors and anyone that might make malicious attacks on the company.

2.3 - Describe the legal requirements for security and confidentiality as required.

The Data Protection Act controls how your personal information is used by organisations, businesses or the government.
Everyone responsible for using data has to follow strict rules called ‘data protection principles’. They must make sure the information is:

used fairly and lawfully used for limited, specifically stated purposes used in a way that is adequate, relevant and not excessive accurate kept for no longer than is absolutely necessary handled according to people’s data protection rights kept safe and secure not transferred outside the UK without adequate protection
There is stronger legal protection for more sensitive information, such as: ethnic background political opinions religious beliefs health sexual health criminal records

The Data Protection Act gives you the right to find out what information the government and other organisations stores about you.

2.4 - Describe procedures for dealing with concerns about security and confidentiality in an organisation.

Every employee should be made aware of the rules and regulations of the organisation. There are policies and procedures in place to handle any situation in an organisation. If you find that there is something happening that could be a risk or violation, you need to report to the concerned department. Any problems relating to IT has to be reported to IT department.
Following are the procedures to be followed for dealing with concerns about security and confidentiality in an organisation.

1) Identify potential problems
2) Identify potential loss due to each problem
3) Determine possible preventative measures

3 - Understand the purpose and procedures for keeping waste to a minimum in a business environment

3.1 - Explain the purpose of keeping waste to a minimum.

It is important to keep waste to a minimum in the work place. The more you waste, the more money it is going to cost the company. Companies have procedures like recycling which helps to keep your workplace tidy whilst saving money. Keeping waste to a minimum also decreases the amount of waste a business contributes to the environment. Reducing waste is key to minimizing a business's environmental impact by reducing air and water pollution and limiting the amount of material that ends up in landfills.

3.2 - Describe the main causes of waste that may occur in a business environment. The main causes of waste that may occur in a business environment are:

Unnecessarily printing documents
Over-production of marketing and publicity material
Using disposable plastic vending cups rather than reusable mugs
Leaving lights on in rooms that aren’t in use
Printing on only one side of paper
Leaving computers and equipment on overnight when not in use

3.3 - Describe ways of keeping waste to a minimum.

To keep waste to a minimum you could:

Print on both sides of paper
Where possible, send data electronically
Turn off all electrical devices when not in use
Turn off lights when leaving an empty room
Recycle all materials
Don’t use disposable cups or cutlery

3.4 - Identify ways of using technology to reduce waste.

Any documents that are usually printed and filed could be stored on a computer instead of printing them off. This will save time, ink, and paper and office space. Instead of writing letters, emails could be sent. Automatic lights could be fitted so they only come on when they sense people in the area.

3.5 - Outline the purpose and benefits of recycling.

Recycling helps extend the life and usefulness of something that has already served its initial purpose by producing something that is useable. Recycling has a lot of benefits and importance not only to us humans but especially to our planet. Recycling saves the Earth, saves energy, and helps mitigate global warming and reduce pollution.

3.6 - Describe organisational procedures for recycling materials.

At work, we have separate bins for recycling plastic, metals and cardboard. Any waste paper that is confidential is put through a shredder and collected by a specialist waste management company.

4 - Understand procedures for disposal of hazardous materials

4.1 - Describe the benefits of procedures for the recycling and disposal of hazardous materials.

Hazardous waste reuse, recycling, and reclamation can avoid environmental hazards, protect scarce natural resources, provide economic benefits, and reduce the nation's reliance on raw materials and energy. Recycling hazardous waste can mean less air, water, and soil pollution associated with the extraction, refining, and processing of raw materials. Recycling also can reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs). When hazardous wastes are recycled, less energy is needed to extract, transport, and process raw materials and to manufacture products. Not only can hazardous waste recycling be good for the environment, it can also be good for the bottom line. Recycling hazardous waste can increase production efficiency and reduce costs associated with purchasing raw materials and waste management.

4.2 - Describe organisation procedures for the recycling and disposal of hazardous materials.

Generally in the UK you have to write a COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) assessment for the disposal of hazardous materials. There is not one safe method and each material must be individually assessed. A “material safety data sheet” should be available for all products, it will advise you of how the material should be disposed. At the company I work for we have a lot of waste paint and oils. The oil and paint has to be kept in appropriate containers and is collected by specialist recycling companies.

5 - Know how to support sustainability in a organisation.

5.1 - Outline the purpose of improving efficiency and minimising waste.

Waste is a resource which can lead to greater business productivity if managed correctly. Shifting from methods of waste disposal to processes of waste reduction can bring a range of key benefits:

You can save money through more efficient use of raw materials, packaging and technology.
It allows you to cut your waste disposal
Compliance with environmental legislation becomes cheaper and more straightforward.
You can improve your reputation among customers, suppliers, potential employees and insurers, who may want to be sure that you take your environmental responsibilities seriously. You may also boost the morale of existing staff.

5.2 - Describe ways of improving own working methods and use of technology to achieve efficiency and reduce waste.

Write notes on scrap paper or save them on a computer
Think twice about printing documents
Send emails instead of sending a letter
Turn off any unused electrical equipment.
Keep the desks tidy to prevent losing office stationary