Scottish Government hybrid working policy: FOI release

Information requested

1. The number of civil servants who have refused requests from line managers to return to the office after previously agreeing a hybrid or work-from-home contract.

2. The number of official complaints to HR made by staff about the proposed two-days-a-week in-office mandate.

Response

In regards to the first question, the number of civil servants who have refused requests from line managers to return to the office after previously agreeing a hybrid or work from home contract.

The Scottish Government does not hold the information you have asked for as discussions between line managers and their team members are not captured centrally by HR.

As such, I hereby provide you with formal notice under section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested.

In relation to the second question, the number of official complaints to HR made by staff about the proposed two days a week in office mandate, we have interpreted “official complaint” as a complaint submitted to HR via the Scottish Government grievance process. As at the date of your request, there are no formal complaints against the requirement to return to the office 2 days a week.

From October 2025, staff whose roles are compatible with hybrid working will spend 40% of their time working in person in our buildings or with stakeholders. To clarify, this is not a “mandate” policy.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.