Working on campus again

As COVID-19 restrictions ease we’re seeing more people out and about and we’ll be able to start doing more of the things we enjoyed before the pandemic. These changes mean there’s lots of new information in the news about what we can and can’t do and the timing of changes. So what does that mean for you and working at ACU?

The main things to note

• As restrictions continue to ease we’ll see a gradual return to working on campus.
• Some of our colleagues in essential service roles returned to work on campus on Monday this week.
• During the gradual return you can to work on campus or you can work remotely (noting in Victoria that if you can work from home you should do so until at least the end of May).
• There are additional measures in place to help with social distancing and to increase hygiene on campus.
• We all have a part to play in creating a COVID-19 safe workplace and helping with health and safety.

Think flexibly

Keep the conversation going with your nominated supervisor and your teams to consider your circumstances and the needs of the team.

When you start working on campus, think flexibly and explore remote working days, staggered start and finish times to avoid travelling in peak times on public transport and consider how you can help with social distancing in the workplace by coordinating the days you’ll be onsite with others in your team. 

Also, consider using leave where you need to work half days or shorter days to give yourself greater flexibility to manage the juggling of circumstances at home and affecting you and your family and adjusting during the transition period.

ACU protecting you

We have increased our cleaning onsite and ensured that door handles, lift buttons and other high-traffic areas are getting cleaned more regularly.

You will notice updated signage providing guidance on hygiene and maintaining distance around lifts and meeting places. Where needed, we have modified some services, amenities and thoroughfares to help with social distancing and maintain safety.

We also provide hand sanitiser at each campus, but also recommend that you bring your own supply of sanitiser or wipes to help stop the spread of germs.

ACU encourages all staff and students to consider installing the Australian Government’s COVIDSafe app on their phone. The app provides valuable secure information to health authorities to assist in tracing contact with any COVID-19 positive cases. Further information about the app can be found on the Department of Health website.

The SafeZone App is available for students and staff to download to ensure their safety while on campus. The SafeZone App includes Emergency or First Aid Alert and Working Alone ‘Check in’ features.

Safety first – what you need to do

While we’re seeing fewer new cases of COVID-19 each day, the virus is not gone. That means it’s critical we stay safe and stop the spread:

• Always practice good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
• Maintain social distancing and follow location-specific arrangements.
• Be considerate of others, especially in common spaces and when moving around campus.

Most of all, we urge you to please stay home if you are feeling unwell.

You are also encouraged to participate in the university’s flu vax program to reduce the chances of getting the seasonal influenza.

Also, be mindful of correct lifting and carrying techniques when carrying your equipment between home and campus. View the Safety Hub manual handling video for more guidance.

Have questions?

We’ll continue to update our resources with latest information as it comes to hand.

• FAQs
• Working flexibly at ACU
• Taking leave more flexibly

You can also speak with your supervisor or log a question through Service Central.

Coming soon

What have you enjoyed about working remotely, or what are you looking forward to when returning to campus? Share with us on our Working Remotely group.

Watch out for our productivity hacks to help you with establishing a new routine in the next Staff Bulletin.