Citing a variety of benefits from having some employees work mostly from home, the hybrid work model is likely here to stay for city workers.
That’s the assessment of acting-depty CAO Stephen O’Brien.
“Things certainly changed for the world (as a result of the pandemic),” the city clerk said. “The hybrid system, it’s become part of our DNA at the city.”
The benefits of allowing hybrid workers include a need for less office space, as well as providing increased flexibility to maintain services in the face of worker illnesses or emergency situations.
Having a hybrid option also helps with attracting and retaining staff.
And it’s proven beneficial for workers, too, O’Brien notes.
“A hybrid system like we have now provides that work/life balance for employees,” said O’Brien, pointing out that was a factor when the City of Guelph was named a top employer in the Waterloo area.
“Being able to offer a hybrid work option for (some) people is something that sets the City of Guelph apart.”
The city has 1,370 full-time employees and 855 part-time workers.
Prior to the pandemic, the hybrid work model wasn’t an option for city employees, O’Brien said, noting he’s unsure how many use the model now. It’s up to individual department managers to decide which tasks can be done from a home office and to solidify arrangements with individual workers.
Those things, including the worker’s ability to work from home, can vary.
Anyone who is approved to work from home, however, must attend the formal job site at least two days per week.
“That’s to maintain corporate connectivity and that type of thing,” O’Brien explained. “Some teams prefer to have the opportunity come in more than two days a week. Some folks still come in five days a week.
“It’s really left to the individual teams and departments, supervisors and leaders for the organization to determine what’s best for the services they’re expected to provide to the community.”
Many city workers simply can’t work from home due to the nature of their duties, such as firefighters, public works crews, aquatic instructors and more.
“We have a diverse workforce and a wide range of workers and jobs and roles. Some of those roles don’t really permit (working from home) and never have,” said O’Brien. “We have to be flexible in how we deliver services.”
