A phased return to physical attendance in the workplace commenced for staff members in my Department following the easing of Government restrictions earlier this year. The majority of staff of my Department are currently attending the office for a minimum of two days per week and working remotely for the remaining days.
Following the publication of the Blended Working Policy Framework for the Civil Service by my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, my Department has developed a draft blended working policy based on the overarching framework, tailored to its business requirements. Consultation on this policy is currently underway with staff representatives. Once agreed and rolled out, staff members will be eligible to make applications to work remotely for a number of days per week. This will require the approval of line management, in line with the parameters set out in the Department’s blended working policy in relation to the maximum number of remote working days permitted.
As per the overall Framework and in line with the Department’s policy, staff members will not be permitted to work 100% remotely and managers will be instructed not to facilitate that form of working arrangement.