Returning to work on campus – your views
10 Sep 2020
In August colleagues shared their views on returning to work on campus
In August more than 2,000 colleagues shared their thoughts about how our University has handled the COVID-19 pandemic and how they feel about safely returning to work on campus.
The feedback received will help inform future decisions in preparing for returning to work on campus, including the kind of communication, support and guidance colleagues are looking for.
The University-level findings from the survey include:
- The majority of staff strongly agree or agree (78%) that they have been kept up to date regarding our response to COVID-19
- The majority of staff strongly agree or agree (67%) that the Senior Leadership Team has communicated well and kept colleagues informed and engaged on important issues
- The majority of staff strongly agree or agree (68%) that local Faculty and Professional Services Leadership Teams have communicated well and kept colleagues informed and engaged on important issues
- The majority of staff strongly agree or agree (71%) that School/Directorate Leadership Teams have communicated well and kept colleagues informed and engaged on important issues
- The majority of colleagues strongly agree or agree (75%) that their line manager has kept them informed and engaged in important issues
- Colleagues differed in their views about how informed they felt about what to expect in terms of a return to campus. 27% agreed they were well informed, 24% neither agreed nor disagreed and 28% disagreed that they were being kept well informed.
- The majority of colleagues felt that they had been able to work effectively during the pandemic, with 74% strongly agreeing or agreeing
Staff have various concerns about returning to work on campus such as public transport, social distancing at work and safety.
Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President Social Responsibility and Chair of the Campus Reopening and Corporate Support Group, said: “I want to thank all of the colleagues who completed this survey. Your views will help us to make sure we can continue to communicate about the issues that matter to you. Since the survey we have published more information on what our return to campus will look like and we are committed to using this information to inform our communications and policies.”
Returning to campus
Guidance on returning to campus can now be found on our return to campus StaffNet site, with the following groups being prioritised:
- Teaching and Learning
- Research and Innovation
- Student services and student experience
Campus core services such as Estates, Safety Services, Library, and office-based activity where a campus presence is required or is necessary for staff wellbeing. This will be determined by line managers and relates to the specific duties of staff.
The phased reopening of Faculties, Schools and Directorates will be co-ordinated through Directors of Faculty Operations, Heads of School Operations and Directors. Schools, Departments and Directorates will be deciding on the people and activities that are now needed on campus, and using the guidance we have produced to make sure that this is done safely and efficiently, with a due regard for the wellbeing of our staff, students and visitors.
Staff will be contacted by their line manager at least a week in advance for the return of their team/department to campus. Unless you are advised to return to campus, please continue to work from home.