Support to work from home

We understand that for some teams, working from home isn't possible. We need to ensure that we can continue to provide the essential services that our residents need during this period, so staff in non-critical service areas but who cannot work from home may be asked in the coming days if you are able to support critical services delivery in other areas.

The council asked that everyone who could do their jobs from home started doing this from Wednesday 18 March. It is important that all staff in this situation discussed their options with their line manager.

Practical support and tips to work from home

• Please ensure that your laptop is set up for home working. Follow the guidance on the Remote Working pages, which is also available outside of the council's network at ICT Help me.
• If you are working in the workplace still, please take your laptop home each evening. And take your headset home with you if you have been upgraded to soft phone. Consider any other materials you require to deliver your duties and scan paper-based materials if required. Please refer to the council's Data Security guidance.
• If you are working from home and can't login, you can go to ICT Help Me or call 020 7527 4321 to report a fault/incident. Save these details now!
• We also update the Staff Emergency Information Line with developments. Save the number in your phone: 0345 146 7527.
• You are responsible for keeping your work equipment safe and secure at all times.
• Don’t allow people in your household to use your laptop.
• Accept software updates.
• Regularly check ICT Help Me for details of updates.
• Do not download or watch videos online through your work computer unless absolutely essential for your work…you may stop others who are supporting vulnerable residents from being able to connect. 

IDS drop-in hub opening times

IDS drop-in hub is currently operating on an appointment only basis. To request an appointment with an IDS engineer you will need to log an incident online via ICT Help Me on Islington Connect. If it is urgent you can call us on 020 7527 4321.

Keep in touch and make sure you're contactable

It's more important than ever to be in regular contact with your manager and colleagues. Within your team, you should plan and agree how you will communicate effectively with each other, and review these regularly, given the evolving situation.

Make sure:

• your phone is always charged and switched on
• your contact details are up to date in People Directory
• your email signature is correct and includes alternative contact details
• your manager has your personal contact details
• you have your manager’s contact phone number (and any others you might need) in case your laptop fails and your need to contact them
• your calendar is up to date and viewable so people can see when you'll be working and when you're not
• you know how to have meetings with more than one colleague over the phone We will be updating our Remote Working pages soon with more info on this.

Looking after your wellbeing

Working from home can be challenging at the best of times. With extra stresses around the global situation and possibly having others in the household if you're self-isolating, it's more important than ever to take time to consider your own physical and mental health. Take these steps to help look after your well being:

• Keep in regular contact with your manager and colleagues - as well as emailing and calling, Yammer is a great way to connect with people across the council.
• Take regular breaks away from your work station.
• Block out time in your calendar for lunch breaks (update your calendar to show this).

All employees working at home are required to complete a display screen equipment (DSE) assessment before starting to work from home. However, due to the current situation, this can be complete at a later date.