To consider a presentation and report on employee work/life balance at MFRA (CFO/22/24).

Councillor Hanratty left the meeting at 14:00

Director  of People and Organisational Development, Nick Mernock, presented the Employee Work/Life Balance report that contained an overview of the first 12 months of the introduction of Hybrid Working, it was explained that the implementation of the trial started 18 months ago.

Members were advised that Nick and the Chief Fire Officer, Phil Garrigan, ran consultation meetings which were attended by 90 members of staff, including both uniformed and non-uniformed staff. ? The staff discussed home working and there was a mix of views regarding the frequency of working in the office.

It was noted that the idea of a compressed working week was discussed among some staff members, but there were reservations about the ability to complete busy workloads in four days. ?

It was explained that the revision of the flexitime system and extending working hours had increased flexibility.

Nick Mernock discussed concerns about hybrid working being limited for certain duties and job roles, ensuring part-time staff receive the same opportunities, and keeping agile working as an option. ? Nick Mernock informed Members of the positive comments from the review, which included staff wanting to come into the office as well as feedback around reducing travel costs, releasing more productive work time, and reducing worries over childcare.

Nick Mernock explained to Members that there may be opportunity for staff to be able to work from a local Fire Station. Members were advised that there was still an expectation for staff to adhere to core hours.

It was noted that two surveys were circulated to staff, which included surveys to managers and another to employees who undertake Hybrid Working. It was explained that the feedback received was overall positive, and the trial would run for another 12 months. However, some issues raised by staff included the need for clearer rules, diverting phones during hybrid working, and that there were still some outstanding applications that had since been resolved.

Members were advised a reduction of 1% in short-term sickness had been identified. It was noted that the trial had contributed to improved recruitment and retention.

Councillor Moloney queried flexi carryover from month to month, in which Members were advised it was three days. It was noted that managers monitored the number of hours staff were working, from a Health and Safety perspective.

Councillor Moloney also questioned if the introduction of Hybrid Working had reduced the amount of overtime being taken, in which Nick Mernock advised that overtime wasn’t a significant issue within the Service.

Councillor Rennie queried if any complaints were received over the cost of heating people’s homes and Nick Mernock advised that no complaints were received. It was noted that implementing an allowance for fuel would be costly for the Authority and all office space remains available to staff.

Councillor Wood thanked Officers for the presentation and noted the importance of the trust between staff and the Authority, when working from home.

With regards to home working, Councillor Knight asked how many staff said they don’t want to work from home. Although a definitive figure could not be provided at the time Members discussed how interacting with other colleagues was beneficial for building relationships.

Financial implications were discussed, including the cost of replacement for equipment when working from home including the equipment’s life span. Nick Mernock explained that budgeting for these expenses was covered by the department's refresher program, and it was noted that the lifespan of laptops is monitored.

Nick Mernock advised that after the trial there would be scope to make the policy permanent.

RESOLVED that: 

a)    the presentation be noted; and

b)    all suitable feedback and appropriate scrutiny of the Hybrid Working Policy be provided.