3. Next Steps: Research 1. Staff Survey - COMPLETE

Firstly, we need to consult with other staff members so that we can identify the key considerations and concerns and see if we are able to overcome them. It will also be good to see how the staff that are currently working from home are coping. This is a complete new way of working and a big culture change for employees – is everyone able to adapt to the new norm?

A survey was conducted and 38 employees responded to 10 questions regarding home working, hot desking and business engagement (please refer to Appendix 1 below for the results).

Employees thoughts on carrying out meetings and running events digitally include:

“Obviously I think you lose some of the networking element, but online meetings and events are a fantastic tool in the current climate.”

“Personally plays a huge part that is severely affected online, getting clients to engage could prove difficult.”

“I don’t feel online is the same as face to face although certain meetings/events can be done that way. It is a barrier and although it is needed at this current time long term I don’t see how online will be more effective than face to face social interaction and to build a sound relationship. With meetingsface to face for at least the first meeting until you build a rapport is crucial.”

“Signatures on client’s paperwork could present a problem.”

“I would much rather talk face to face.”

“Only issue is internet connection which could fail either end.”

“They can be done online, however a big aspect of my role was to work with the business and them have that personable service, I think I just miss the face to face interaction. Also workshops require registration and feedback forms to be completed which can be harder to force a business to do online, you have to trust they will do it.”

“There are certain types of meetings that work better face to face such as brainstorming, planning etc. Information meetings are good for online.”

“Yes, it will be a massive cost and time saver having them online.”

“I feel events online can be a strong move for the Chamber moving forward, it can also be used as a tool for membership as a whole, with pre-recorded workshops on HR, finance and marketing that business could use to support their own business giving businesses more reason to be a member in testing times. This can also be done at no cost to the Chamber.”

“I think in the future it would be nice to have the events live face to face but also being streamed at the same time for people that want to stay at home, you could also then use technology for people at home to be able to ask questions to the speakers as well as people in the room.”

Overall, the survey has highlighted additional areas that we need to look into, so that we can support our employees and businesses as best as possible. It is natural for there to be concerns, and for problems to be highlighted, as we are talking about a new way of working. However, over time, once we have adapted, these problems should disappear.

It will be good to hear from our businesses and see what kind of support they would benefit from and what they are doing differently going forwards. How can we support their new way of working?

Although working from home will decrease our overheads (e.g. office space costs and forums etc.) we need to recognise what materials and technology we need to provide for staff at home, and look at budgetary issues. Equipment may include:

- New laptops

- Desks (if needed)

- Chairs with proper back support

- Lockers for when they come into the office

- Software