Thank you for your flexibility and support throughout 2020 – a remarkable year which has required us to work in new ways.
One of the changes we made in response to the pandemic was the introduction of remote working for those whose roles could be undertaken safety and effectively offsite. This new way of working has been well-received and brings a range of benefits.
Employees working remotely have told us they enjoy increased schedule flexibility, increased ability to focus, and reduced commuting issues including parking, traffic and transport costs.
Remote working also provides benefits for the health service, such as increased space for clinical activity, reduced pressure on infrastructure, and improved sustainability.
We are now planning for remote working to continue for roles that can be undertaken safely.
Remote working at Monash Health will be a blended model. Employees working remotely will attend the workplace on a scheduled basis, and as required for collaboration, planning and team development activities.
We understand that remote working won’t suit everybody. If you want to return to the workplace, we will take your personal circumstances into account. These may include your personal safety, young children or others at home, space issues, or an inability to set up an appropriate workspace.
A project team will commence work in January to facilitate the move to remote working. They will define policies, procedures and guidelines, establish dedicated workspaces for when remote employees are onsite, ensure our technology meets requirements, consider workforce planning and keep you up to date throughout the process.
The project team will be guided by these draft principles, which will provide you with an early indication of how remote working will operate in 2021 and beyond. The final principles, and further guidance will be developed by the project team early next year.
- If the primary functions of a role can be delivered remotely, safely, and to expectations, the role will be performed remotely.
- Employees working remotely will attend the workplace on a scheduled basis, and as required for collaboration, planning and team development activities.
- A working remotely agreement (including occupational health and safety requirements) must be completed and signed by manager and employee.
- Working remotely agreements will be reviewed as required and at least annually and can be changed after consultation with the employee. Managers will provide clarity on performance expectations and agreed indicators.
- Employees will work in accordance with their EBA and Monash Health policies, including ensuring their remote work environment allows them to maintain confidentiality.
- Employees must be contactable during work hours and provide visibility of their work schedule to their managers.
- Managers are responsible for ensuring appropriate management, communication and team support arrangements are in place.
- Managers and employees are responsible for ensuring the remote workplace is safe and meets OHS requirements
- Monash Health will provide standard IT equipment for use in remote workplaces. All Monash Health equipment will be recorded and registered. All precautions must be taken to secure all equipment from damage and theft.
- Monash Health will not provide furniture, or reimbursement for wi-fi, utility and other working remotely service costs.
- Monash Health will provide suitable shared office space and workstations when employees are on site.
These draft principles are intended to provide you with an early indication of how remote working will operate in 2021. The final principles, and further guidance will be developed by the project team early next year.
Remote working offers significant advantages for our people and our service. I look forward to continuing the conversation about how we do this well in the new year.
Approved by Stuart Donaldson