9. Ensuring mental and physical health & safety when working remotely
9.1. The University is committed to meeting its statutory health and safety responsibilities and to creating a culture that is both proactive and collaborative in supporting the health and safety of all its members. Institutions, line managers, and individuals are expected to undertake risk assessments, make well-informed decisions, take responsibility for their actions and be cognisant of the potential risks that may be encountered while engaged in University business whether conducted in the University workspace or when working remotely. Individuals must comply with the terms of the University’s Health and Safety Policy and follow any associated guidance and tools provided by the University for this purpose, as referenced in Section 10 of this Policy.
9.2. There should be regular contact between the Institutions and/or the line manager with individuals working in a remote environment, particularly if a substantial part of the working week is being spent working remotely. Individuals should be given regular opportunities to discuss any issues or concerns relating to the hybrid working arrangement, especially when commencing hybrid working or moving to altered arrangements. Individuals should also ensure that line managers and colleagues are aware of their working location on a day to day basis to continue the safe systems around lone working at the University.
9.3. While hybrid working has the potential to help individuals to balance work and personal responsibilities, working from a home remote working environment can increase the risk of individuals feeling expected to respond to communications or undertake further tasks at times when they should be disconnected from work. Regular rest breaks should be taken when working remotely and in line with any contractual arrangements or reasonable adjustments, to help ensure mental and physical wellbeing and comply with the relevant regulations on working time. There is no expectation that individuals have to respond to communications outside of the hours referenced in sections 7.2 and 7.3.
9.4. The University provides a wide range of support services that can assist line managers and individuals in maintaining or addressing mental and physical health issues. Further advice for both individuals and their line managers on maintaining and supporting mental and physical health whilst working remotely is available in the guidance associated with this Policy.