COVID-19 has meant a change in work environment for many, if not all industries. Working from home is one major area of change. Extended lockdowns and periods of home isolation have meant that businesses have had to embrace working from home. Many have found great benefits from this. Some employees prefer the work life balance, and some find they are more productive. Many of our clients have continued to work from home, even as restrictions have lifted. At CER we are a running a hybrid environment where staff can work from the office if they would like to and continue to work from home if that suits their work and lifestyle.

Here are our top three tips to get started on the working from home journey.

1. Have a designated work space

   For some, having that separation between work and personal life is important. This could mean you need to prepare a separate room in your home as an office, or maybe designate a corner of a room for a desk. For some this might not be possible, but at the very least ensure that the designated area encourages productivity, whilst being ergonomic. This also includes making sure your space is clean and clutter free, using a comfortable seat, and ensuring your laptop is at eye-level to avoid damaging your posture.  

   Employers should ensure that they undertake reasonable steps to ensure the safety of employees working from home. That may take the form of a documented assessment including images of the workspace, and regular reviews.

2. Utilise online collaboration tools

   There are many applications and online tools that enable workplaces to communicate, collaborate and plan remotely. CER has been using Microsoft Teams to do all those things successfully and with an element of fun. Get in touch with your IT team to discuss the platforms available or for other communications tools and options. Explore if there is more that can be done with your existing tools. Could you add in a staff validation scheme, where your teams can congratulate, thank or just give a thumbs up to their colleagues? Communication tools can be used for both work and bringing your teams together to be social.

3. Keep moving

   Whether you’re smashing through that to-do list, or feeling stuck in a working from home rut, get up, move and stretch.

If you would like more information about working from home, please get in touch with our Employment Relations Specialists.

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