WORKING from home and desk sharing could soon become the way of the future for some council workers.
A review has been carried out by Calderdale councillor David Kirton which found that flexible working presents the biggest opportunity for the council to save money.
Employees working from home occasionally would save time and fuel costs. So-called ‘hot desking’ or sharing desks would also reduce overheads.
Calderdale Council debated these and other flexible working options at a meeting of its Use of Resources Scrutiny Panel recently.
The report says that there will need to be a big change in culture before any changes are adopted.
Clr Kirton said: “Staff will need to recognise that they can not necessarily expect to have the same desk every day.
“Managers will need to recognise that they need to manage on outcomes, rather than time that staff spend in an office.”
The report adds that the council’s current asset and facilities management project, which is looking at best use of its buildings and resources, depends on flexible working for its success.
Calderdale Council has successfully trialled a home working scheme involving 25 full-time home workers and 11 flexible home workers. The report says that this review should continue.
Clr Kirton said: “The world of work is changing rapidly. New technology means that many people can now work in any location and that can bring massive benefits to organisations and the people who work for them.”
