Hybrid working is a type of flexible working that focusses on the location in which work is undertaken, with some work being undertaken in the workplace and some work being undertaken in an agreed remote working environment.
The University Hybrid Working Policy aims to enable as many staff as possible to work in a hybrid way if they so wish, whilst recognising that some roles will include tasks that can only be performed on university premises. It highlights that consideration should be given to the possibility of occasional remote working, even if only a small number of tasks in an individual’s role can be performed in this way. In the first instance individuals will meet with their line managers to discuss possible hybrid working arrangements and their own preferences.
Staff wishing to work in a hybrid way are responsible for providing a suitable remote working environment, and agreement of individual arrangements is subject to a successful health and safety assessment of that environment. This is to ensure that it is suitable for the level of hybrid working and types of tasks that will be undertaken. The University operates a self-assessment approach to this process.
The remote working environment should be:
- safe and secure;
- adequate in terms of space, lighting, layout and conditions; and
- appropriate to the nature and frequency of the tasks being undertaken.
The opportunity to rectify an inadequate home remote working environment, where possible, should be provided before a final decision is made.
Individuals working from a home environment should be able to achieve a comfortable and sustainable posture while working with display screen equipment. The risk assessment should help decide what is needed for each individual’s situation and circumstances.
As a minimum, individuals should have:
- a chair suitable for the nature and frequency of the tasks being undertaken;
- a work desk or appropriate work surface; and
- a separate monitor or laptop stand.
The University will provide each individual working in a hybrid way with either a set of core IT equipment to support their hybrid working or items from that set as either required by the individual or appropriate to how regularly they are working in a hybrid way. This core set may vary depending on the nature of the role, but a standard provision will include a laptop, headset, keyboard and mouse for use both in the University workspace and in the remote working environment, with access to the use of a docking station and monitor in the University workspace.
While hybrid working has the potential to help individuals to balance work and personal responsibilities, working from a home remote working environment can increase the risk of individuals feeling expected to respond to communications or undertake further tasks at times when they should be disconnected from work. Regular rest breaks should be taken when working remotely and in line with any contractual arrangements or reasonable adjustments, to help ensure mental and physical wellbeing and to comply with the relevant regulations on working time.
Links to related University policies and guidance can be found below:
Hybrid Working Policy Supporting Guidance
University’s Display Screen Equipment Policy (HSD005P)
Workstation Self-Assessment Checklist form
The information sheet below offers handy hints for safer hybrid working.