Smart working is how we operate. It allows us to do our very best work enabled by how we use our buildings and technology.
We know how important your working environment is. So when it comes to the equipment you use, you can expect everything to be state of the art. You’ll take advantage of everything from smart tablets and phones, to top of the range laptops that give you offline access.
Plus, we offer a range of office touch points. No matter where you are in the county, you’ll be able to find different locations to work from. Secure and equipped with everything you might need, you’ll have even more flexibility when it comes to the way you work.
Our aim is that through smart working, colleagues can work in a flexible way, with the right culture and policies to support this, creative use of our physical spaces, digital solutions to streamline the way we work, great connectivity and access to the right technology.
We’re replacing rigid rules and traditional policy with frameworks that aim to create a vibrant workplace underpinned by our values while building trust, innovation and collaboration.
Making the most of smart working
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated our smart working programme, with many of us now working effectively outside the workplace.
Here’s a summary of what’s in place to support smart working.
Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 is supercharging smart working. It’s a subscription service designed to help us create and collaborate from wherever we are with innovative Office apps, intelligent cloud services and world-class security.
When we talk about Microsoft 365, we’re generally talking about tools like Teams and OneDrive.
WiFi access
If you’re working outside an office space or your home, you can make use of WiFi Assist to access guest WiFi networks in pubs, restaurants, hotels or trains.
We’ve also partnered with colleagues in our local NHS organisations so that if you’re working in a health facility, you can access our network as if you were in a council building.
Smartphone apps
We have an ever-growing number of dedicated council smartphone apps available, allowing you to access information when you’re on the move.
Matrix desk booking
At Staffordshire Place and the Newcastle Hub, colleagues book desks as and when they need them. Some desks can be booked by specific teams and a number of hot desks can be booked by anyone.
Touchdown centres
Touchdown centres are office spaces located in venues across the county. You can book these and use them as needed.
What’s next for smart working?
We’re learning from our experience during the COVID-19 pandemic and thinking about how we can keep improving our smart working experience.
We’re considering how to:
- Continue to support you to work effectively beyond the workplace with a range of activity-based work settings rather than assigned desks in an office
- Develop a trust-based culture where people are managed by results, not by their physical presence in a specific place of work
- Focus on collaboration but reduce the need for traditional meetings
- Minimise the need for routine travel
We always involve our people in deciding how we can best achieve our aims – this ensures our approach works for everyone.
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- Two Staffordshire companies have been recognised for their contribution to business in the 2023 King's Awards for Enterprise.
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- A Staffordshire business who has benefitted from borrowing a carbon dioxide monitor to improve ventilation within their workplace, is urging others to take advantage of the free scheme.
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- A Stafford school that moved into a brand-new location in 2020 has had its official opening celebration today (Wednesday).
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- Staffordshire residents can play their part in minimising the spread of Covid-19 this summer, by getting fully vaccinated and taking sensible precautions.