We are a flexible organisation, and we embrace hybrid working – a mix of connecting in-person and virtually. We’re aware that the world is changing, and we all want and need different things from our
Following consultation with our colleagues, we have been exploring and evaluating the optimal approach to hybrid working to enable colleagues to communicate, connect and collaborate in the most effective, positive and inclusive way.
From January 2025, alongside the option to work from home, we’re moving to a framework of mandated, in-person time each year. This expectation works out as around 2 days per month. We’re also looking at how we improve effectiveness of how we work together virtually.
From 1st January 2025, we require all colleagues to move to a reasonable proportion of working in-person with others to include as a minimum annually:
- Four 1:1 meetings between colleagues and line manager in-person (this should include performance review meetings).
- A minimum of eight team or departmental in-person meetings per year.
- All in-person directorate meetings.
- For members of our Senior Leadership Group (SLG), attendance at all in-person SLG meetings.
- Attendance at the annual staff conference.
- New starter induction process is being reviewed and will contain some required in-person time with line managers and/or key stakeholders within a new starter’s first six months.
- Four days spent working in person with colleagues in other areas of the organisation to include at least one branch visit, attendance at all in-person mandatory training and building relationships with colleagues in other teams.
Regional Offices
We have regional offices in Dublin, Edinburgh and Cardiff. Our above approach applies to colleagues in our regional offices too.
We would like our colleagues to feel a sense of belonging and connection to Samaritans. We believe this new approach will ensure that in-person time is focused on connection, collaboration, adds value to the team and helps us to achieve Samaritans’ vision and mission.