Topics

Homeworking/remote working

Editor's message: The experience of homeworking for millions of employees during the coronavirus pandemic has prompted many employers and employees to embed remote working as a key part of their model of work.

In some organisations, or for some roles, a move to permanent remote working has been the best option. However, in many cases employers have implemented a hybrid or blended model that allows employees to:

  • work remotely for part of the time; and
  • attend the workplace at other times.

Organisations should bear in mind that, while many employees will welcome this additional flexibility, for some the experience of remote working will not be so positive. Asking employees what has worked well while they have been working remotely, and what the challenges have been, can help organisations to plan for long-term changes.

Employers should also consider additional training and support to equip line managers to lead remote, or partly remote, teams on a temporary or permanent basis.

New and updated

  • Type:
    Letters and forms

    Homeworker mental health action plan

    Updated to refer to Information Commissioner's Office guidance on information sharing as a result of mental health emergencies at work.

  • Date:
    13 September 2022
    Type:
    Editor's choice

    Global Research Study: The CHRO of the Future

    This global research study of 100+ Chief Human Resource Officers identifies seven themes top of mind for today's senior HR leaders who are being asked to drive the business, not support it. It offers evidence-based insights about how best to navigate uncertainties in the workplace while building trust with stakeholders to create a flourishing workforce and a thriving organization particularly during times of change and transformation.

  • Date:
    16 June 2022
    Type:
    Commentary and insights

    Hybrid working legal and practical issues: Your common questions answered

    While many employers have now implemented a hybrid working model, challenges remain to ensure that hybrid working arrangements run smoothly. XpertHR consultant editor Darren Newman answers some of the most common legal and practical questions that hybrid working organisations have been asking us.

  • Date:
    31 May 2022
    Type:
    Commentary and insights

    Hybrid working and sickness absence management: Practical tips for employers

    Employers that are operating under a hybrid working model must ensure that their sickness absence management procedures sit comfortably alongside their new working arrangements. We set out five steps that hybrid working organisations can take to ensure that sickness absence management continues to be effective.

  • Date:
    31 May 2022
    Type:
    Podcasts and webinars

    Podcast: Sickness absence management and hybrid working

    Stephen Simpson, principal employment law editor here at XpertHR, joins us to talk about how employers that are operating under a hybrid working model must ensure that their sickness absence management procedures sit comfortably alongside their new working arrangements.

  • Date:
    26 May 2022
    Type:
    Commentary and insights

    Working remotely from abroad: The continuing impact of COVID-19

    Many employers that have introduced hybrid working arrangements are finding that employees who have worked remotely from overseas want to continue to do so. Employers may therefore have additional considerations when formulating any hybrid and return-to-work policies.

  • Date:
    6 May 2022
    Type:
    Commentary and insights

    Hybrid working: Six examples of reasonable adjustments for disabled workers

    Employers that are operating under a hybrid working model must ensure that their working arrangements are inclusive, including making reasonable adjustments to the model for disabled workers. We set out six examples of potential reasonable adjustments for hybrid workers.

  • Date:
    27 April 2022
    Type:
    Case studies

    How The University of Manchester implemented hybrid working for its professional services staff

    The University of Manchester speaks to XpertHR about its pilot scheme to roll out hybrid working arrangements to almost 5,000 of its professional services staff.

  • Date:
    29 March 2022
    Type:
    Commentary and insights

    Flexible working and the hybrid model: What are the risks when managing homeworking requests?

    The pandemic has generated a greater appetite among employees for remote and/or hybrid working patterns. Consultant editor Darren Newman explores how employers can strike a balance between advocating a physical return to the workplace and satisfying staff who are pushing to spend more time working from home.

  • Type:
    Letters and forms

    Letter providing update to workforce after implementation of hybrid working model

    A model letter to provide an update to employees following the implementation of the hybrid/blended working model.