The LRA (Labour Relations Agency) has published new guidance: ‘A Practical Guide to Hybrid Working’ to help employers who wish to develop a blended approach to working at home/remotely and in the workplace.
Helpful and practical guidance for employers
The LRA’s newly released, ‘A Practical Guide to Hybrid Working’ document, provides employers with a wealth of information about the factors to consider when developing an organisational approach to hybrid working. It includes practical considerations from health and safety to insurance, a sample policy and a FAQ section.
LRA’s 7 key takeaways:
The guide includes some key takeaways for employers which are:
- Employers should consider carefully whether hybrid working could be effective for particular roles and workplaces and recognise where it is not appropriate. Effective planning for its introduction is essential.
- Employers should consider introducing hybrid working on a trial basis if they are unsure if or how it will work in practice within their organisation and ensure that a review is carried out prior to the end of the trial period.
- Recognised trade unions/employee representatives and employees should be consulted prior to the introduction of a hybrid working policy.
- Employers should look at whether contractual changes are needed. This will depend on the model to be introduced. The employer must seek the consent of the employee directly, or via collective agreement, to any such changes.
- Employers should prepare a policy document, which clearly sets out how hybrid working will operate in your organisation – a model policy is contained within this guidance.
- Employers should review all associated policies to ensure consistency across all policies.
- Employers should ensure that hybrid working arrangements are kept under review.