The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) has issued a Circular calling on Agency heads to implement a transition plan to return employees to their usual workplaces in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In its Circular 2020/5 Preparing for a COVID-safe transition for APS workplaces, the APSC says that in developing their transition plans, Agency heads need to review the balance between working from home and returning to usual workplaces, ensuring the health and wellbeing of their staff along with Agency productivity, and the delivery of essential services.
It warns that local outbreaks of COVID-19 could disrupt the return to workplaces and advises employers to be flexible about their plans.
“The transition to usual workplaces may not be linear,” the Circular says.
“Where there is a localised outbreak, Agency heads should facilitate Australian Government employees in the location of the outbreak to work from home, where it is practicable to do so,” it says.
It says Agencies shifting staff back to office buildings should consider prioritising employees with a greater need to be in the workplace.
“Employers should also consider managing numbers of staff in workplaces where they cannot maintain physical distancing, including by rostering employees to work from the office or home on alternating days or weeks, or allowing more flexible start-and-finish times,” it says.
“A single approach to returning Public Servants to workplaces is not practicable.”
“Each Agency’s transition plans will be different and will be tailored to their particular circumstances.”
The Circular also addresses subjects such as school closures, mobility, business continuity, preparing for the future and recommends all transition plans be supported by a communication strategy.
APSC Circular 2020/5 can be accessed at this PS News link.
