30 April 2020 – COVID-19 (coronavirus)

Hi Colleagues,

As our CE Shaun mentioned, the current COVID-19 working from home arrangements will be winding up after tomorrow. After talking to many of you, I wanted to provide some more information about our usual flexible working arrangements options.

As we shift back to our new normal clinical activity levels, we need to ensure we have people on site to support safe and efficient healthcare delivery. Of course, social distancing requirements need to be observed when not directly delivering care.

However, I want to reassure you that the decision to end COVID-19 working from home arrangements does not affect already approved flexible working arrangements. There are many reasons staff need flexible working arrangements and there’s no one size fits all solution.

For those staff who are unable to attend work due to their health, vulnerability, home schooling requirements or other commitments, there may be a genuine need for flexible working arrangements.

Flexible working options can include the hours worked, the location of work and other arrangements specific to the team requirements.

Social distancing is also a consideration in the current environment. Managers are strongly encouraged to take a proactive approach to ensure appropriate social distancing. This may mean splitting non-clinical teams to work from home on a rotational roster.

Detailed information about these possibilities is covered in the Queensland Health Guideline for Flexible working arrangements. 

If you believe flexible working arrangements are appropriate for your individual circumstance, please talk to your line manager about how this can work for your role and your team.

Best,

Sarah