Staff may be aware that the Scottish Government has now recommended that employers consider implementing hybrid working, following appropriate guidance, which would see staff spending some time in the office and some time at home.
Read Staff Talk’s latest ‘Hybrid Working’ edition of Craig’s column here, where he shares how Council plans are under way for a safe, gradual and phased return to the office, for those members of staff who wish to return for limited periods.
While we work towards more hybrid working arrangements, staff are encouraged to continue to use technology to facilitate working and for those of you feeling anxious about returning to the office, please speak to your line manager, support is available.
The health and safety of you, our staff and our customers remain the Council’s number one priority and we will ensure that all workspaces are Covid compliant with suitable ventilation and sanitation measures in place.
Your wellbeing during this process is also very, very important. So, when you do come into the office, you can feel confident and reassured that it is going to be a safe and welcoming experience.
Feeling nervous? Get support from your line manager and the Distance Aware scheme
Something you may spot in the office is lanyards, badges and posters with the Distance Aware Shield (see pictured). The Distance Aware scheme is designed to help those worried about mixing with others to feel more comfortable when working in the office as we adapt to living with Covid-19.
The Council is supporting the introduction of this initiative, which enables individuals and organisations to politely prompt ongoing distancing and respect of individual social space.
The scheme is symbolised by a shield with arrows indicating the desired space and the shield icon is worn as a badge or lanyard to allow individuals to indicate that they would like to have space around them.
For more information, speak to your line manager or visit our FAQs and Coronavirus (COVID-19): distance aware scheme – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)