It feels an odd one, as I work for an organisation where I have been to my contractual base location precisely once in the last 17 years. My employer is extremely opposed to permanent home working (basically only allowed for TUPE transfers of people who already have it), and a firm believer that collaboration needs to involve face to face contact.I’m afraid I have not had sight of the said advice and it would not be appropriate for me to request it, so I can‘t shed any more light on the matter.
We are in a slow reversion to limited office working, with an expectation that we will spend 30-70% of our time in office - but recognising that people in different roles will vary. Meeting colleagues yesterday for a team meeting (and very good lunch!), my gut feeling is that I’ll be off the bottom of that scale, and in the office for about 1-2 days per fortnight to coincide with colleagues for team meetings.
That says something about that company, not related to Covid, which would have me polishing my cv.We have now been told that, despite being inferred previously, there will be no flexibility regarding the "hybrid" working arrangements. It must be either 3,4 or 5 days a week in the office. They have also said there will be no flexibility in working hours - 9-5. Due to my location I could be eligible to apply for a permanent wfh contract but that would involve a reduction in benefits. What that reduction was and whether I could find out before applying (if I wanted to) my manager didn't know!
This all needs to be done and dusted by 1/8 for everybody to return by1/9. I think we have around 350 staff in our City office.
Edit: 5 day a week office will return for everybody when "things get back to normal".