HR Shared Services
Guidance & Support Framework WaysofWorking
background & context
A ‘Reflections on Remote Working’ survey issued to HR SS staff during 2021. The objective of the survey was to understand the impact that working from home had on staff over the course of the COVID19 pandemic along with identifying key enablers for working remotely.
The survey feedback demonstrated a number of thematic areas that HR SS staff considered as key enablers for new ways of working. This framework has been developed in response to these areas in order to signpost staff towards the available tools and resources providing guidance and support on new ways of working in a hybrid environment.
The HR SS operating model requires delivery of a broad range of diverse services across the HSE in a cohesive manner which supports colleagues in delivering services and patient care. It is intended that this framework will expand and enhance the current mechanism for both onsite and remote working. A strong framework which supports HR SS in Ways of Working is essential.
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framework overview
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The thematic areas identified as key enablers to support new ways of working in a hybrid environment include, but are not limited, to the following: Communication & Engagement Fostering Learning & Professional Development Staff Health & Wellbeing Peer Support –Less formal catch ups Nurturing/Embedding new behaviours & ways of working Awareness of the right to disconnect Anything else to incorporate
communication & engagement
Communication & Engagement is a key enabler for successful hybrid working. When communication is not well managed it can result in poor information flow, knowledge gaps, barriers to effective team working and exclusion of team members who are not in the office.
Communication within hybrid teams needs to be more intentional as casual or adhoc conversations may be reduced. Effective communication needs to be seen as the responsibility of everyone in the team.
The HR SS Staff survey (2021) identified that management & staff believed there was a requirement to support staff engagement through effective communications, staff management practices, meeting formats and practices, opportunities to feel connected/network/understand what’s happening within and outside own sphere of work.
“staff are engaged when they feel valued, are emotionally connected, fully involved, enthusiastic and committed to providing a good service…when each person knows that what they do and say matters and makes a difference” (national staff engagement forum 2016)
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everyone can make a difference
Continuous consideration should be given by all team members as to how staff working onsite and remotely in a hybrid model can be kept up to speed on work related matters. There is a requirement of embedding a culture whereby:
All teams are kept up to date on what’s happening within the team, across teams and more broadly in maintaining a sense of connection with the organisation.
Ensuring that individuals understand how their role and contribution fits into the ‘bigger picture’.
here is an emphasis on the importance of frequent team meetings, where minutes are made available afterwards for those that aren’t in attendance. Considering a ‘remote first’ approach to meetings will help to ensure that each attendee has a consistent experience of the meeting. When colocated employees have a face to face meeting but colleagues attend remotely this can lead to ‘presence disparity’, where people experience the meeting differently and communication can be disrupted.
Employee engagement and team building is supported by building in regular social and human connection opportunities.
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6 ways of working communication & engagement resources to support you Staff News on HSE Staff Website Get up to date information about what’s happening in our services across the country & catch up on the latest campaigns Health Service News update circulated to all HSE Staff from HSE Internal Communications on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Example accessible here HSE Brand/Visual Identity Guidelines (includes template memo, letterhead, powerpoints, HSE logo & more) Communicating Clearly HSE Guidelines Communications Toolkit for HSE Managers and Staff (includes managing & chairing meetings, managing your time & more) MS Teams for HSE Staff MS Teams Top Tips & Tricks for HSE Staff Right to Disconnect You have a right to disconnect from work outside of your normal working hours or scheduled roster. This includes not responding immediately to emails, telephone calls or text messages. Managing a team working from different locations Justclick forlinks!
fostering learning & professional development
Training has always been essential to a thriving workforce. All staff are actively encouraged to continue to develop their skills and capabilities with particular emphasis on their current role to allow them to optimise their contribution to the objectives of the health service. One of the key priorities of the Health Services People Strategy 20192024 identifies ‘Capability & Talent’ in terms of a culture that prioritises learning and development to ensure we have the capability and capacity at individual and team levels. Fostering Learning and Professional Development improves morale of employees and helps employees to get job satisfaction.
HSeLanD
On online learning portal containing over 200 eLearning programmes, resources, assessment and planning tools.
Training and Development Section – HSE Staff Website
Includes signposting to health & safety training, coaching, induction & more.
Latest Training Opportunities released for HSE staff
Updates released via Health Service News update circulated to all HSE Staff from HSE Internal Communications on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Leadership and Management Development
To develop the capabilities of our workforce by designing, developing and delivering appropriate learning and development interventions.
Click here to read Prospectus 2022
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fostering learning & professional development
Consider incorporating ‘Shared Learning’s’ within Team Meeting Agendas. Rotate team members on a regular basis to share their learning’s. Sample Discussion structure could include:
► Share learning’s from a recent project or experience OR Name three things you feel are going well.
► Name three things you feel are not going well.
► Name three processes you would change to address your answers to the previous question.
Group Discussion/Feedback
► Set ground rules for this session to ensure everyone is heard, the team builds trust and the meeting is productive.
Sample ground rules could include:
► Do not pass blame – the good and bad should be impersonal or applicable to the whole team
► Everyone gets an opportunity to speak or give feedback
► One person speaks at a time
► Stay on topic and stick to the agenda
Health Services Change Guide
A step by step guide that will help you to lead and bring about change. It features helpful and practical advice from practitioners, leaders, service users and staff.
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staff health & wellbeing
“a meaningful and safe work culture exists where the organisation enables healthy behaviours among staff, supporting them to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing, and where staff feel valued, are emotionally engaged and deliver services they are proud of”
The HSE Staff Health and Wellbeing programme strives to improve the health and wellbeing of their workforce by supporting management in creating a healthy workplace for all staff in addition to nurturing workplace champions.
hse people strategy 2019-2024
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Staff Health & Wellbeing on HSE.ie
HSE Workplace Health and Wellbeing Unit
Mental health supports and services during COVID19: Getting used to life again may take some time. Take things at your own pace and reach out if you need support. Mental health support services are available if you or someone you know are struggling.
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10 ways of working useful hse links section Working from home during COVID19 Working from home Getting ready to work from home Health and safety tips for setting up your work space at home Working from home tips to protect your health and wellbeing Managing a team working from different locations Work Safelyarrangements for COVID19 Staff: minding your mental health Working from Home Are you safely set up to work from home? FAQs on working remotely and collaboration tools Justclickforlinks!