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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; welcome to "Communities"

    As Emily says, there has always been something of a frontline/back office divide within the NHS, right back to the '70s and '80s when I was with the Ambulance service, and later when I became a "back office" manager even though within a clinical team!

    As already said: I do not think there are any easy answers to it and when people are under the potentially life-threatening stresses they are now, attempting to create a "one team" environment can only appear a little condescending, however well intentioned it might be, and I am sure you intend it to be. (E.g. begging the reply: "That's easy for you to say, from your nice, safe, back-office...").

    ....and I know that's true, because to a small degree I have felt it, at times, when, say, at the roadside in the pouring rain trying to save someones life in a wrecked car, only to be told by some controller on the radio that the nearest A&E is closed.... The momentary desire to suggest they get off their warm shiny seats to come and do some "real" work sneaks in....even when utterly unfair and unjustified with even a moment's "unpressurised" thought.

    How it feels for those dealing with CV19 for hours, days and weeks, I can therefore imagine, but only imagine.

    My only suggestion would therefore be to focus on the morale of the "back office" to keep them aware that what they are doing IS making a difference and IS as vital as "front of house". Then when it's over maybe look to rebuilding the bridges with some social events, or suggesting to the front line that they give some recognition to those who held their coats safely while they got on with the fighting. (Metaphorically speaking). But you will in fact probably find that starts to happen for itself, when the appreciation dawns.

    P
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  • Hi Charlie; welcome to "Communities"

    As Emily says, there has always been something of a frontline/back office divide within the NHS, right back to the '70s and '80s when I was with the Ambulance service, and later when I became a "back office" manager even though within a clinical team!

    As already said: I do not think there are any easy answers to it and when people are under the potentially life-threatening stresses they are now, attempting to create a "one team" environment can only appear a little condescending, however well intentioned it might be, and I am sure you intend it to be. (E.g. begging the reply: "That's easy for you to say, from your nice, safe, back-office...").

    ....and I know that's true, because to a small degree I have felt it, at times, when, say, at the roadside in the pouring rain trying to save someones life in a wrecked car, only to be told by some controller on the radio that the nearest A&E is closed.... The momentary desire to suggest they get off their warm shiny seats to come and do some "real" work sneaks in....even when utterly unfair and unjustified with even a moment's "unpressurised" thought.

    How it feels for those dealing with CV19 for hours, days and weeks, I can therefore imagine, but only imagine.

    My only suggestion would therefore be to focus on the morale of the "back office" to keep them aware that what they are doing IS making a difference and IS as vital as "front of house". Then when it's over maybe look to rebuilding the bridges with some social events, or suggesting to the front line that they give some recognition to those who held their coats safely while they got on with the fighting. (Metaphorically speaking). But you will in fact probably find that starts to happen for itself, when the appreciation dawns.

    P
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