COVID-19 Working from Home

We have been positively surprised as to how many and how quickly businesses put flexible and working from home arrangements into place to ensure the health and safety of their staff – and the public.  I mentioned last week some of the different things businesses are doing, which can be accessed here.  What was even more surprising was, these actions have been above and beyond what government has asked, although now they are asking for as many people as possible to work from home.

Whilst working from home arrangements have been required for health and safety requirements, it is great that this has been embraced to ensure continuing of business and individuals’ income.  However, health and safety doesn’t stop there.  Health and Safety of employees extends to working from home as their home is now their workplace.  There have been many cases over the years on this issue and here is one as an example.

We therefore recommend that you ensure a process as you would when people work from home for flexibility under normal circumstances.  Document it, including agreements surrounding it regarding any costs, hours and days of work, location or home address as to where your employees are working from, any equipment provided.  Guidance in setting up their workspace, a policy and checklist for a safe working environment for a safe space is what we recommend.

Aside from the physical risks, please consider the psychological risks.  Take care and support employees for their mental health.   It is important to keep communication up and not just via email.  Ring your team regularly, continue to have team meetings using technology, encourage them to take breaks (although appreciate performance and productivity remains important), encourage them to talk to their colleagues about work as they normally would.  It is important more than ever to continue to connect with the restraints and restrictions. It is also a very important time to ask the simple question, R U OK?

We are big supporters of RUOK and are passionate about both – helping our clients get a ROI from their people and creating working environments that support and prevent mental health.  We believe that this allows us to make a true difference in society – for businesses and individuals. So, ask the question!

We will say again, now is the time to consult and communicate with your team.  I think now is the time to seek ideas from your team,  I think you will find it will be amazing what they come up with, with some mental space but also the pressure to make things works for you and them!

Our team at HR Business Direction have worked from home for 10 years so are happy and able to help.  If you require assistance, we are here to help.  We remain available via email or phone – leisa.messer@hrbd.com.au or 0401 271 616 | 07 3890 2066.