I thought it timely to update you with our approach to living and working with Covid-19.
Most colleagues have now been delivering services in-person for some time and feedback is that colleagues are pleased and benefiting from this presence, and performance is strong. Personally, since September, I have also significantly increased the regularity of my in-person activity. I now more fully appreciate what has been missing from the virtual only approach and how much more value, and indeed enjoyment, in-person activity provides, whilst at the same time benefiting from the positive aspects of Agile working, blending in-person attendance with flexible working and the use of Teams etc.
I had hoped to announce a general relaxation of our in-house ‘rules’, but with growing infection rates, and despite the effectiveness of the vaccination programme, this now seems inappropriate. This does not change our approach and move to a better combination of in-person and digital engagement, rather a maintenance of our approach to minimising risk.
As always, we will keep this under review and will update in one month, or sooner if needed. For now, I’ve outlined below some of the key aspects of our approach to Covid safety:
Lateral Flow Tests and Vaccination: Please continue to take rapid lateral flow tests up to twice a week. These tests can be ordered for free from the Government website, or collected from your local pharmacy or community centre. In addition, I would encourage all colleagues to take up the opportunity of flu vaccination, for those who are eligible via the NHS and for other colleagues via the GC subsidy – details can be found here.
I would also like to encourage colleagues to take up their Covid-19 booster vaccine when they become eligible and are contacted by the NHS. The booster vaccine helps give you longer-term protection against getting seriously ill from COVID-19. Please continue to log your vaccine status on Unit4 as previously requested.
Ventilation: We have maximised the opportunity to use existing ventilation in our offices and training centres, with air conditioning and window openings, where available. Please do not use personal fans, which can increase the spread of Covid-19 particles within the work environment.
Masks: Please continue to wear masks or face coverings whilst moving around our sites. Also please follow local guidance on the use of masks outside of work, particularly on public transport.
Social Distancing: We have elected to remove some of our social distancing signage and markers, including directional arrows. Generally, the volume of people at our sites is manageable. I would ask though that colleagues take a common-sense approach to social distancing, avoiding over-crowding where possible and appropriate.
Meeting Rooms and Desk Capacity: We have this week made the decision to continue to ask all colleagues to socially distance on desks and in meetings rooms, thus not sitting side by side at desks (maintaining a one metre plus distance where possible) or filling meeting rooms to full capacity. I know that for some colleagues this will make a change from how our spaces have been used recently but given rising infection rates it is prudent to reinforce this guidance in the interest of keeping everyone as safe as possible.
Meeting Room and Desk Booking System for Warren Bruce Court, Longsight, Lee and Broadhurst (Churchgate House): Lastly, for colleagues who visit the above sites, I’m pleased to at last be able to confirm that the new booking system is fully operational and can be accessed via your MyApps homepage. Please click here for full instructions on booking these meeting rooms and desks. Video instructions will also be available next week, and more information is also available on the Our Working Way intranet. Note that capacity reflects our request for continued social distancing.
I hope you, and your family and friends, are well and would also like to take this opportunity to again thank you for all your efforts and successes. The stories that reach me of the initiative, dedication, sense of purpose and the impacts of these on our clients is amazing – the most heartening thing is to receive unsolicited feedback from clients as to how much you have improved their lives or their business, and that they will now have a new sense of purpose and can realise their dreams.
Thank you and best regards
Mark