Returning to offices
As we move forward with hybrid working, we are starting to hold more face-to-face meetings. They are a great way to catch up with teammates you may not have seen for over two years. Some of you may have never met each other!
Seeing colleagues in person helps teams gel again and can provide a much-needed boost.
With that in mind, we want to encourage managers to start thinking about introducing face-to-face meetings again in hub buildings. Flex desks and meeting rooms are available to book in all our hub offices. Please use the booking system.
For anyone requiring office space (even if you don’t have a meeting) you can still book a flex desk, meeting room or sit at your old desk, if it is within a hub building. Please continue to follow guidance when coming into offices.
For now, only the hub buildings are available to book as they have covid safety measures in place.
Hybrid working is flexible and many of you will be happy to continue to work from home. Our new approach offers options to combine some face-to-face contact and home working. As we continue with our office refurbishment programme, there will be further opportunities to work in more offices across Argyll and Bute.
We will update you again as we continue to make progress. If you have any questions in the meantime, you are welcome to contact us at ourmoderworkspace@argyll-bute.gov.uk
Jane Fowler, Head of Customer Support Services
Ross McLaughlin, Head of Commercial Services
Progress - Willowview feedback
The refurbishment of Willowview in Oban completed earlier this year. It was renovated to house a brand new nursery on one side of the building and a fantastic fresh office space on the other. We asked colleagues what they think about their new office.
“Having the opportunity to work between home and Willowview offices has been great. It has given me back that sense of separating work and home life. On the days when I am in the office, I feel my day has more structure, as I take the time to walk home and have lunch.
Building in time for a walk and a proper screen break is something I am not good at doing when I work from home.”
“Thank you very much for all the furniture from the Education Office and Kath for your help getting it here. It is great and has really improved our office space”.
Clearing office spaces and desks
As we move forward in all towns, a reminder if you have not already started to clear out desks and review any paperwork that can be digitised. Please discuss going into offices and making a start with your manager.
A guide to resources data and information management disposal will be available shortly.
Next steps - Argyll House
We are just about ready to start the refurbishment. Our contractors are finalising the schedule of works and we hope to share the start date with all teams affected by the redesign.
The project team have been in touch with managers to update on progress and the team will arrange a workshop for everyone involved. We can share the programme of works, timescales and what teams need to do during this time. There will also be opportunities to ask any questions.