Over the past few years , Brio’s support services have embraced a hybrid working model, and I am pleased to provide an update to all our colleagues on how we have managed to achieve this flexibility, whilst also remaining a constant support to our operational colleagues and members of the public.
Workspaces
Even before the Covid-19 pandemic Brio were faced with limited office space across our sites, and whilst we were left with no choice but to ask our support teams to work from home during the pandemic, it did give us an opportunity to trial and review a new way of working.
Brio’s head office remains at Northgate Arena, however as part of the refurbishment plans, the office space will be out of use for a period of time and then reduced to allow for the creation of a multi-purpose space which can be used by the community and employees for activities and meetings.
We recently increased office space available across our estate by carrying out work at Northwich Memorial Court on the mezzanine and a newly created small 1:1 room,we encourage our support teams to use this as a workspace when it is available.
Support teams are also encouraged to meet or work at a number of sites that have rooms available, but unfortunately, we must ensure we accommodate external booking first.
Other rooms available to book:
EPSV-Track side
NRC-Community room
FLC-Upstairs
WLC-Small 1:1 Office
FLC front meeting room
EPCH function rooms as/ when available.
CSC-Office.Hybrid Working
Our HO remains at NGA. All our support services work 2 days (pro rota) in the office. None of our support services employees are permanent home workers. This not only helps them remain visible to all the workforce but also supports their own wellbeing. Homeworking is not for everyone and can be isolating and intrusive on someone’s personal life. Brio created the 2 days in the office model to ensure all support employees were able to feel connected and engaged with their colleagues.
You will find the below teams working away at NGA:
Finance Team-Tuesday, Friday.
Marketing Team-Wednesday, Thursday.
People Team-Wednesday, Thursday.
IT- Monday and based at other sites depending on work demands.We have monitored and reviewed the hybrid working model with our support teams and have found that it offers the right amount of flexibility whilst also meeting our company objectives.
Leadership Team/ Board.
Brio’s leadership also work on the hybrid model, but all their monthly team meetings are held face to face at a Brio site and alternated each month across sites based on their availability.
All Brio quarterly Board and committee meetings are held face to face at sites that can accommodate larger meetings.
Review
Our hybrid model has been working very well since 2021, and our plan is to continue working in this way, similarly to how Cheshire West and Chester now work, but we will always be looking at ways that we can improve visibility and support to all our colleagues as we continue with this way of working.
