What is a Section 278 Agreement?

A Section 278 Agreement is a legal agreement between a developer and a highway authority to carry out highway works.

Fairness In Hybrid Work – HR’s Role In Creating Equity For All

As hybrid work becomes the norm, HR must guard against the emergence of a two-tier workforce – one where remote workers miss out, and in-office staff feel they’re carrying the burden. Here’s how to keep things fair.

1. Equal Access to Opportunities
Remote workers risk missing out on key updates, informal decisions, or visible projects. HR must ensure everyone gets equal access to training, meetings, promotions, and communication. Use hybrid or virtual options consistently and communicate widely.

2. Preventing a Two-Tier Culture
Where some roles can’t be done remotely, there’s potential for resentment. HR can offer flexibility in other forms for those left in the office. Consider compressed hours, recognition schemes, in-office events and wellbeing support.

3. Consistent Policy Application
Be mindful of unconscious bias. HR must ensure policies are applied evenly. Treat like-for-like roles the same and keep decisions job-based, not assumption-based.

However, there are exceptions to this. For example, where an application for home or hybrid working has a disability sitting behind it. The duty to make reasonable adjustments may require approval to be given in order to remove a substantial disadvantage faced by the disabled employee if they were required to work in the office.

Employers also need to be careful where a request is from a member of staff with caring responsibilities for children as an unsupported refusal could give rise to a claim of indirect sex discrimination.

4. Inclusion and Connection
Promote a unified culture through all-hands meetings, hybrid socials, and structured mentorship. Use tools and processes to integrate remote staff, so no one feels sidelined.

5. Monitor Equity
Track trends in promotions, pay, training, and engagement to identify any remote vs. office disparities.

Hybrid working offers flexibility, but it requires thoughtful planning. With HR at the helm, organisations can build models that are not just productive – but fair and inclusive for all.