hybrid work or full time office work.dwp

hi, I just needed some advice. I currently work as an eo in DWP, this role is hybrid it is very flexible in terms of if you are not feeling well you can WFH, there is no pressure in attending the office.The Job itself , I really do not like it and I am constantly procrastinating. , whereas this sound amazing, my mental health has taken a downfall, as the role is very isolating.

I used to be a work coach going in full time to the office, my mental health was amazing even though the job itself was quite challenging and I loved socialising with different colleagues and clients.

I did mention to my manager that maybe a move back would be good in terms of my mental health but now I'm thinking about the pros and cons of hybrid work.

my current job is an hour commute while when I was a work coach it was a 10 minute drive.

any ideas on what I should do. advice needed please.

It really depends on what you value more.

To me it sounds as though being back in the office seeing people would be better for you as you would be more interactive but there are perks of being able to work remotely.

I would advise you just attend the office more as you say there is no pressure to go in but that doesn't mean you cant? But you would still have the option of WFH saving on the commute or a lazy day or not feeling well etc

If you really don't like this current role it might worth considering a move/change again.

Is there a reason you changed jobs? Also what do you currently do, which section in DWP?

I totally agree that it has perks but I've became the worst version of myself, lazy and procrastinating all the time. I like to keep myself busy hence why I am thinking of the move.

I was moved due to the FTA campaign when applying for permanency so I did not have a choice, I would have preferred to stay as a WC but I was scared that I would lose my job or stay on the reserve list, so I accepted this current role.

My current role is work and health services DM. its honestly so draining, no customer interaction, just doing letters all day everyday.

Ah I see. I would suggest taking yourself into the office on a more regular basis to interact with others, Split the week up maybe do a day a bout Monday office Tuesday WFH Wednesday office etc
But speak with your manager again and voce your concerns, I would imagine the civil service have tings in place and keen to look after the well being of staff?
In the meantime keep looking out for other jobs or transfers to try and get a different role again.

The key thing is you are identifying these issues yourself so you can act to change it. Maybe mix up your work day, set yourself a target of so many letters to write then take a break, go get a drink, snack, step outside for 5 or 10 mins. I used t get pretty bored in the office so would look other tasks I could do, or ways of making my work more efficient. The amount of time I have spent playing with spreadsheets to kill time is crazy

I totally agree, when I don't go into the office for long due to being ill I completely feel isolated.

few days ago I was dead set in moving back but kept thinking how 'easy' this job is, also if I'm not feeling well I can stay home at work whereas being in the Jc I would just be put down as sick.

I'm probably going to look for a different role in the same department but keep hybrid working.

thanks for your advice, hybrid totally outweighs working in the office full time!

Sounds like a plan. I hope I was of some use, it is always to get a different perspective on things. I hope all works out for you.
If still struggling with mental health don't be afraid to reach out to someone, talking about things has a great way of lessening the burden.

Hi,

This a random question but do you know anything about the DWP Executive Officer - Universal Credit Review role, is this a hybrid role?

I have been made an offer and I am currently trying to decide if I should stick to my current HSE role or make the switch.