New guidelines have been published to support managers in planning the delivery of operations and services while adjusting to the hybrid working model – a blend of on and off-campus working.

The return to campus – in line with the anticipated easing of Government lockdown measures on 19 July – provides an opportunity for many of our staff to experience a blended approach as we build back our on-campus community and an improved work-life balance, whilst ensuring we comply with ongoing social distancing measures.

Hybrid working should be explored for all staff in roles where it is not essential to be on campus all the time. This enables and supports colleagues in spending part of their working time working remotely and part of their time on campus.

The Hybrid Working Managers Guidelines outline the principles and expectations of hybrid ways of working. It provides practical tools and information to help support managers lead discussions with their teams – as a group and one-to-one – as to how hybrid ways of working will work for their area. Hybrid Working Guidelines for Employees have also been produced for staff to familiarise themselves with the approach which will be taken.

To support the implementation of the guidelines, the Managing Performance in a Hybrid Working Environment guide has also been produced. This outlines key considerations including:

• organising meetings to be inclusive for all team members
• providing regular opportunities to discuss and agree objectives
• supporting new starters
• considering and supporting equality of opportunity for informal career development opportunities within teams
• continuing to support employee wellbeing, work life balance and social connectivity

It is anticipated that from 1 September 2021, all staff currently working remotely will return to campus working in a hybrid arrangement. Some staff will return to full campus working where this is required operationally, or where this is able to be accommodated for staff who need/would prefer a full return.

National restrictions are planned to lift on Monday 19 July, subject to confirmation by the Prime Minister. Monday 19 July to Friday 1 September will act as a transition period, to allow teams to start to return to campus and test out new spaces and working patterns. The flexibility of hybrid working allows different approaches to the new ways of working. Teams can use the summer period to find out what works best for them and the services they provide.

Managers should carefully consider how to support colleagues during this transitional phase, recognising that for many this will represent a significant change to working practices imposed during the pandemic. Some colleagues may feel apprehensive or anxious about returning to campus, whilst others may prefer to work on campus for the majority/all of their working week. It is important that managers consider how they continue to support colleagues’ wellbeing and welfare alongside health and safety considerations/risk assessments when implementing hybrid working arrangements.

The B50 Hub at Kings Meadow Campus remains open for approved Professional Services staff who have a need to work on campus – more information and details on how to book can be viewed on the Staying Connected SharePoint site. Professional Services hubs which were originally planned to open on 21 June will now open on Monday 19 July, subject to government confirmation.

If you have any queries, please view our FAQs or contact your HR Business Partner