Any options to help a lone worker in an isolated situation?

[TrainforSpeed]

I'm drawing a blank.

Lone worker has an historic arrangement where they work an extended day, more than full time for our organisation, so that an office can be kept open 8am - 5:30pm. This suits the member of staff who was asking for extra hours/more pay at the time.

This arrangement goes back years, but there's no real need for it. It's a base for peripatetic staff but they can let themselves in and out as needed. Staff member is the office manager and does "run" the building but he doesn't really need to be there during all the open hours. Cleaner locks up. Staff tend not to be there late anyway.

The building is very isolated, in a rough part of town and a little walk from the carpark. After dark it isn't very nice. Lone working RA in place including CCTV and checking in but I understand it's still not pleasant.

Staff member has asked to be allowed to leave before dark, by say 3:30 in winter and finish their day from home. Staff member is older and less confident/more vulnerable than they were, which is why this request has come about.

Unfortunately I think if I put this to the board they're going to say if he's not needed in the building he doesn't need the extended hours and his day can end at 3:30, which will be quite a pay cut and won't be what he wants.

Workload is known not to be heavy and I'm sure could be done in the reduced hours. Staff member is often asking for extra work. In lots of ways the hours should be cut anyway.

Anyway, what else could we put in place to make it safer when leaving the building.

Is the outside lighting good?

@SpongeBobJudgeyPants

Is the outside lighting good?

There is lighting but it's not great. We're restricted on what we can do to improve it though because of planning issues

I'm wondering if motion activated lighting would help, at least for part of the way exiting the building?

I would be honest with the guy and let him know that if you ask on his behalf for this arrangement you suspect they will agree he should leave early but that he does need to be working from home and that his hours will be cut. Then ask him if he would still like you to ask.

I have it at home. Would that be a planning issue, if it isn't lighting that's constantly on, and presumably no neighbours to complain? Dunno...

Is there a wfh option for part of the day so leave before dark but make up additional hours from home?

I would be honest and say you can put their request forward but there could be a chance they will say the extra hours are no longer required if they can leave earlier. Then ask what they want you to do

@Duxiejhrhrvjz

I would be honest with the guy and let him know that if you ask on his behalf for this arrangement you suspect they will agree he should leave early but that he does need to be working from home and that his hours will be cut. Then ask him if he would still like you to ask.

Yes, that's what I'm thinking of doing, but it feels "dodgy" to have acknowledged the risk but done nothing about it (assuming he choises to leave things as they are)

@Pantsomime

Is there a wfh option for part of the day so leave before dark but make up additional hours from home?

Yes that's what he's asking for, but I can't see it happening. By the time he's home and set up, it will be time to finish, plus workload probably makes it unnecessary.

@SpongeBobJudgeyPants

I have it at home. Would that be a planning issue, if it isn't lighting that's constantly on, and presumably no neighbours to complain? Dunno...

It's hard to explain and would be very outing but intermittent lighting would be considered worse, by the planners.

Pay for a cab home/station etc door to door. This is what clubs and pubs will often do in rougher parts of town.

Is there security who could escort?

Can you offer priority parking for late night/Evening working - that they could move to at 3pm or something?

If lighting is a security/safety issue for staff there may be a way round the planning issues have you spoken to a planning consultant about possible solutions?

Also not really sure why employment details are going to board level surely its just down to his/her immediate manager. TO be honest maybe monitor the environment for a couple of weeks at the early evening darkness and maybe do an assessment based on perceived darkness risk at such early times I mean 3.30 4pm schools are just coming out! Even in a rough area I wouldn't be too freaked till after 6.30 really.

Bit extreme but can the office be moved? Is it a safe place for the staff to be coming in and out in the late afternoon if this person feels vulnerable? Is it just a risk for this person which could justify an office move?

Generally is the area clean and tidy, well fenced good access and egress? They could feel more secure if there were not many hiding places e.g. behind bins or waste hanging around or if the building is properly secured and nothing on display to attract those with a criminal motive etc.

Could the situation be helped with some training by say ex police, defense or security personnel that make the person feel more confident that security is being addressed and they have some tips and tricks for dealing with a situation arising

What time does everyone else finish ?
I mean 8-5:30 not the longest day

Something else to consider might be the type of lighting already in - changing of the colour of that lighting e.g. newer whiter/daylight style lighting vs tungsten might make a difference.

Pay for a cab home/station etc door to door. This is what clubs and pubs will often do in rougher parts of town.

It's because the building is a long way from the road we have this issue. A cab couldn't get any closer than his carpark space.

Yes we've tried lots of thing re lighting. It's a very specific issue relating to this building.

The board thing is the way it is.

The building isn't really fit for purpose but the location is and there's nothing else suitable for miles. The staff work in this "rough" community.

@worriedatthemoment

What time does everyone else finish ? I mean 8-5:30 not the longest day

Staff work flexibly within those hours but no one else is office based.

When I say a long way from the road, I mean a 2-3 min walk, which I accept feels a long way in the dark.

If you google ‘lone worker alarms’ there are various options.
I used to use one when working alone after dark in an office in the middle of a woodland! The best ones are connected to a 24-7 call centre. It has gps, when sos button activated it can listen, record & call the police or your emergency number. Is lightweight & worn on a lanyard. Luckily didn’t get ever have to use it for real but reassuring to have.