Manager's Guide

Managers have an important role in to play in the Office’s response to COVID-19. In the first instance, they should make themselves familiar with CSO COVID-19 Response Plan and house rules. They should ensure that their staff are aware of all relevant information, control measures and COVID-19 specific requirements in the workplace. This information can be found on the CSO COVID-19 Staff Information homepage. In addition, section managers have a part to play in the implementation of and adherence to the new procedures within their work areas.

It is also important that managers consider how they can best support their staff and promote wellbeing within their teams to meet the challenges and changing requirements as we move into a transition arrangement for minimum scheduled office attendance while we await clarity regarding the terms of a future Civil Service Blended Working policy.

OneLearning also provide training courses for managers both in relation to remote working as well as returning to the workplace.

The pandemic has placed additional requirements in all aspects of our lives. Our working routines have been radically altered, and the uncertainty and additional demands placed on staff have the potential to cause stress and anxiety.

Managers are in a position to alleviate stress points in the workplace by considering the following

• Promote work/life balance, Lead by example, for example, by taking leave, rest breaks, and actively participating in remote social events
• Taking time to regularly check in with teams to see how they’re doing
• Providing clearly defined roles and expectations
• Encourage your team to take advantage of the Wellbeing programme
• Acknowledge success, commend team members for their contributions

• Ensure all team members including themselves are not working excessively long hours and understand their rights under the Organisation of Working Time Act, including their right to uninterrupted rest breaks.

Managers are asked to be consider how the team will function in a Blended Working environment. Clear communication on the breakdown of work that is expected from staff is essential in these circumstances

• identifying how to best communicate to teams the immediate business needs and how these can be achieved
• providing staff with the training and/or equipment they need to work in the current environment
• listening to staff and providing a forum for teams to put forward ideas and concerns
• being patient and allowing staff time to adapt to new circumstances
• giving yourself time to adapt and communicating with colleagues in relation to managing the new challenges and situations brought about by COVID-19

• informing staff of the dedicated COVID-19 supports available through the Civil Service Employee Assistance Service(CSEAS)