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The Impact of a 'Divided Workplace'

Charlie Revill

Hi There,

I wonder if there is anybody out there experiencing a similar situation to me?

I work for an NHS Provider and very recently under government advice the majority of 'support teams' (non clinical) began working from home.  Whilst this has caused no 'productivity issues' we are certainly feeling a 'divide' between those that have remained on site and those working from home.  This is evidenced by 'jokes'  directed at support teams and a sense that those homeworking are no longer part of the 'front line' in the battle against Covid.  I realise that this is certainly a highly sensitive time which potentially makes it more difficult for 'jokes' to be brushed aside and causes 'hyper-sensitivity' but as an organisation I fear that this could have a long term impact on culture. 

We have sent out communications referencing being 'one team' but I do not believe this is suffice and really feel more powerful interventions are required.  Interventions however that do not further exacerbate the divide. I want to remain balanced and understand the issues from both sides of the divide.

It would be really helpful to know if anybody is experiencing a similar situation - or is there a sense that this is a truly difficult time and everybody should 'just get over it'.  Its a bit lonely in HR at the moment!

Many Thanks

CLR

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  • Hi Charlie

    I don't think there are easy answers here - I also work in the NHS, and there has always been something of a divide between "frontline" and back office staff. The group I'm most concerned about in terms of exclusion at the moment is our shielding clinical staff - a lot of them feel very guilty, and I'm not convinced that all colleagues are always sympathetic.

    In terms of support functions, the majority of ours are also WFH (other than those of us staffing our staff "Covid line"). From an HR-perspective, our teams are prioritising whatever work they can do to best support the frontline - payroll, recruitment, rostering and being available to support and advise managers, as well as publicising sources of support for staff.

    Happy to talk further if you want to drop me an email (I'm very easy to find on nhs.net)

    Thanks
    Emily
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  • Hi Charlie

    I don't think there are easy answers here - I also work in the NHS, and there has always been something of a divide between "frontline" and back office staff. The group I'm most concerned about in terms of exclusion at the moment is our shielding clinical staff - a lot of them feel very guilty, and I'm not convinced that all colleagues are always sympathetic.

    In terms of support functions, the majority of ours are also WFH (other than those of us staffing our staff "Covid line"). From an HR-perspective, our teams are prioritising whatever work they can do to best support the frontline - payroll, recruitment, rostering and being available to support and advise managers, as well as publicising sources of support for staff.

    Happy to talk further if you want to drop me an email (I'm very easy to find on nhs.net)

    Thanks
    Emily
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