Cyflwynwyd gan:Cllr. Nia Jeffreys
Decision:
To adopt the vision for Working in
the Future, and not return to the pre-pandemic way of working.
Minutes:
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.
Awdur:Geraint Owen
Supporting documents: