Introduction

Working from home is a model of business that allows employees in suitable jobs to work away from their place of employment. This ensures that businesses can continue running even when restrictions may prevent employees from coming to the workplace, such as length of commute, office renovations, and others. The advantages to working from home are evident - primarily there is no commute time, and as such businesses will be able to expect employees to attend their contracted hour’s easily, and employees will be more comfortable working in an environment which they regard as safe. It may also reduce instances of harassment, both physical and verbal by establishing distance barriers.

 

Conversely, it may also result in a lack of attachment to the business and lack of motivation for employees, as they may have little exposure over time to the professional environment that working on-site provides. They may also suffer technological problems and a lack of discipline, resulting in missed deadlines.

 

The drawbacks and disadvantages to long-distance working

There are many advantages as it generally means businesses will not incur the costs that would usually be included under maintaining a working space. Businesses that rely on foot traffic as more and more people shop online, these businesses need to evolve into this service or suffer the consequences.

 

Companies that use specialist computer systems may have to adapt these to be used on the devices of everyone at home. New government regulations must be taken up by businesses, resulting in extra administrative strain, especially on small and new companies. The move to working from home reduces the social aspect of work, this may distance or fail to form working relationships between employees who have never physically met. Businesses will need to invest in their employees more than ever - requiring certain technology to be present in the homes of their workers, ensuring that they attend meetings and complete work by the deadline.

 

It is not, however all negative. According to a 2019 survey, the sample size indicates that 65% of professionals believe that working from home has benefited their productivity, and 49% feel that their home office allows them to get more work done. Naturally, this means that businesses subjectively benefit from happier, more productive employees which reduce non-attendance and increase their profits, where applicable. It is important that businesses can support their employees during difficult times, and beyond, especially if they adopt a long-term work from home model. Working from home will likely be a common sight amongst large and small businesses alike in the future, as it provides a wealth of benefits and presents manageable downsides.

 

Health and Safety Regulations

Businesses need to keep their employees safe during the period they are working from home, if no specialist equipment is needed then employees must be made aware of health and safety regulations. These will mainly be the prolonged use of display screen equipment (DSE). The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations apply to workers who use DSE daily, for an hour or more at a time.

 

The regulations don't apply to workers who use DSE infrequently or only use it for a short time. Because of the autonomy element, there can be an argument that the standard checks for safety that would be in the workplace, such as drinks on desks, not logging off your computer should you need to leave it unattended for a short while etc will be impossible to monitor, as such an element of trust and common sense exists.

 

Wherever practical employers should: -

• Conduct a DSE workstation assessment, if this is deemed necessary;
• Inform workers of the recommended breaks;
• Provide an eye test if a worker asks for one; and
• Provide any training that may be required.

 

Incorrect use of DSE or poorly designed workstations or work environments can lead to pain in their necks, shoulders, backs, arms, hands and wrists as well as fatigue and eye strain. The causes may not always be obvious.

 

How we can help

Upon starting a case your caseworker will create a briefing note for your legal team to examine your employment contract to ensure it meets compliance and legal duties placed upon the employer. To gain our assistance you need to open a case, this is done by taking advantage of our free consultation service, activated by the link at the top of the page, should you wish to start a case the caseworker will send you the suitable payment link.

 

Please note your caseworker can only give generic advice on employment law / contracts, their role is to prepare your details for handling by our legal team and to act as your point of contact, they will also issue you with your Password and PIN, these will be needed to log onto your client dashboard. From your dashboard you will be able to manage and view every aspect of your case, upload documents, images, files etc.