Agenda item

To adopt the vision for Working in the Future, and not return to the pre-pandemic way of working.

The report was submitted by Cllr Nia Jeffreys

DECISION

To adopt the vision for Working in the Future, and not return to the pre-pandemic way of working.

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted and it was noted that considerable attention was placed on the future of the world of work nationally. It was noted that Welsh Government had expressed an aim of 30% of the Welsh workforce working from home. It was explained that the Council had been planning for future working arrangements with an Offices Group meeting to discuss the matter. It was explained that the vision was part of the outcome of this group's work and was based on discussions with groups of staff an representatives of local Unions.

The vision of a workforce that can work flexibly and give their best to deliver and provide services of quality for the people of Gwynedd, was noted. Also, that the Council was a good place to work, which promoted a work-life balance for the well-being of staff and in order to retain and attract quality staff. It was explained that it would build on the experience of providing services during the pandemic. It was noted that Welsh Government statements highlighted the likelihood of further relaxation of the rules and the time would come to implement the vision. It was added that the Chief Executive had shared an outline of the action plan with the staff and that a discussion had been held with the Governance and Audit Committee the previous week.

The Head of Corporate Support Department added that working from home would be voluntary for staff in the future and that it would not be enforced. He explained that not all jobs could be fulfilled from home and that a workforce assessment would have to be undertaken on individuals' home locations before making long-term arrangements. Attention was drawn to an incorrect figure in the report and that the staff travel cost savings was £997,499 for 2021/22.

Observations arising from the discussion

¾     Attention was drawn to the figure of 25% wanting to work from home in the long-term, and it was noted that this was because individuals felt more comfortable being at home.

¾     It was noted that working from home removed the opportunity for staff to network and meant that they lost the element of learning from each other. It was stated that it should be noted that 59% had noted a desire the work in a hybrid way, with 15% wanting to be in the office full-time. It was stressed that this period was a trial period and that staff could change their minds before making any long-term decision.

¾     It was stressed that there was a need to think about how Councillors would be welcomed and have fair opportunities following the election in May. It was explained that the report did not discuss Councillors but that work was being done behind the scenes to make arrangements for Councillors.

¾     It was explained that the conversation with staff in terms of work locations was a continuous one and that it would be possible to change as staff gained confidence, but the need to strike a good balance and to continue to prioritise the mental well-being of staff was stressed.