More Bridgend Council staff could work distantly as part of the council’s plans to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a report to the Cabinet due to be discussed next week (pdf), the Chief Executive, Mark Shephard, has set out several new ways of working that are being considered by a Project Board chaired by himself.
It’s described as a “once in a lifetime opportunity”. The changes will also help the council meet the Welsh Government’s aspiration for 30% of the workforce to be able to work from home or near home by 2024.
As suggested, the headline proposal is for more council staff to work distantly. However, it’s accepted that for many council employees this isn’t appropriate or practical. Additionally, it’s suggested that staff who still want to work in an office environment will be able to pre-book office space. “Hot-desking” has been considered before the pandemic.
Subject to suitable IT solutions being found, councillors will also be able to choose between in-person or remote attendance at meetings.
The aim is to reduce the amount of travel (with a knock-on environmental benefit) and to help council employees meet caring and other responsibilities. Working from home during the pandemic has seen council employee sickness levels fall significantly during 2020-21.
Detailed discussions with trade unions, the council’s legal department and HR will take place before spring 2022 as part of the first phase.
There are potential pitfalls too. These include possible opposition from staff, as well as the economic impact a reduction in the number of full-time employees based in Bridgend town centre would have on local businesses.
Despite the push for distant working, there are no plans for Bridgend Council to downscale or move from the Civic Offices, which will remain the “main administrative and democratic base”.
