One of the key benefits of the Maritime HR Association is connecting HR staff in the maritime industry. This year we have introduced Live Information Exchanges – giving members the chance to get together virtually to discuss key people challenges.

Last Friday we welcomed HR staff from 7 of our member companies for a one-hour session to share tips and discuss difficulties with introducing hybrid working.  We started the session with a ‘round table’, allowing members share what they are currently doing to introduce hybrid / flexible working and the challenges they are facing. The items raised ranged from the strategic drivers to practical implications.

All participants saw the benefits of flexible working, including reducing commuting time for employees, and balancing home and work life. However, there were barriers identified including obtaining buy-in from senior leaders, the risks associated with losing the social aspect of work, and the impact on non-financial benefits (such as free lunches).  We discussed the communication challenges that hybrid working can cause and how best to improve this.  Open lines of communication were a popular suggestion, especially for commercially-focused teams.

The event was such a success that the group have suggested meeting again in 6 weeks’ time to review progress. More Live Information Exchanges are planned for the coming months too, covering topics such a people data, recruitment and onboarding in the virtual world, mental health and wellbeing, employee benefits and performance management.

To take advantage of our Live Information Exchanges you can contact Helen McCaughran at [email protected]  for further information on becoming a member of the association.