Homeworking in a post COVID-19 world

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, businesses have been affected in many ways and in some cases have been forced to make changes to the way they operate. Some businesses have closed their offices and for administrative posts, considered home working on either a full or part time basis.
 
At the start of the pandemic in April, a reported 46.6% of people in employment did some work at home. This allowed businesses to continue to operate throughout the lockdown period.
 
In this time many employers and employees have seen the benefit homeworking can bring to them, and are looking at making this a more permanent change for their business.
 
Here are the key areas employers should consider when determining whether home working is viable or not:

• Does the post lend itself to home working - can tasks be completed remotely using email/software etc.?
• Can you monitor employee’s productivity effectively?
• Can you still have regular contact between colleagues and line managers to ensure effective management and support of all colleagues?
• Do employees have an adequate set up at home practically such as a quiet and private work area with a desk, table and suitable broadband etc.?
• Have you completed home worker DSE assessments to reduce the risk of staff experiencing injury or discomfort if regularly working from home?
• Have you updated employment contracts if staff are permanently working from home and do you have a homeworking policy in your Employee Handbook?
• Have you trained staff on the importance of data protection/confidentiality to ensure that all company information and documents is held securely? Do they know what to do in the event of a data breach?
• Are you able to evaluate the impact of home and remote working on your employees?

If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Alcumus PSM HR team for assistance via email [email protected]. or call us on 01484 439930.

Alcumus PSM (People & Safety Management) specialises in human resources (HR) and health and safety (H&S) consulting for small and medium-sized enterprises.
 
Written by Sophie Millington, HR Consultant