Working from Home policy
Companies are embracing remote working to help their employees balance work and family. With flexible working becoming increasingly popular, it’s important for employers to ensure that they have a ‘working from home policy’ in place to clearly outline employers and employees’ rights and obligations. When your employees are working from home,– additional challenges and risks can arise if you don’t scope out the process.
As an employer, you are responsible for implementing a policy to ensure the following questions can be answered:
- Who in your company is responsible for answering any queries in relation to this policy?
- Who is responsible for all company property and equipment when working from home?
- Who is responsible for insurances in accordance with this policy?
Did you know?
- Employees still need to comply with all policies and procedures whilst working from home
- Employees still need to follow your occupational health and safety policy whilst working from home
- You need to find out if there are any restrictions in the employee’s home to allow the employee to work from home
Working from Home (“WFH”) Agreement :
A signed written agreement outlines the conditions of working from home arrangement between the Company and the employee, and includes relevant checklists relating to, but not limited to work health and safety requirements. Key Business Advisors can help you create a robust remote workforce by implementing a ‘Working from Home Policy’.
What does the policy cover?
A good working from home policy covers the framework that allows employees to work from home under particular circumstances and is especially relevant to the current global crisis of COVID– 19.
The importance of having a healthy workspace at home and ensuring employees are aware of their obligations in relation to working from home is crucial. A good policy must also be accompanied with a workstation checklist that allows employees to self-check their working from home space to ensure they are working in a safe and ergonomic environment. This is an important requirement to ensure the employer’s WHS obligations are met.
A working from home policy should provide a framework for allowing employees to work from home when appropriate. The opportunity to work from home is not an entitlement or a right. The objectives of this framework are to:
i. clarify who will be allowed to work from home and in what circumstances;
ii.ensure that adequate provision is made for workplace health and safety where employees work from home; and
iii. ensure employees are aware of their obligations and responsibilities in relation to working from home.
Who can use it?
Any employer wanting their employees to work from home in specific circumstances.
What does It cover?
- Procedure
- Home-based worksite
- Zoning
- Property and equipment
- Insurance
- Workplace Health and Safety
- Attendance at the office
- Working hours
- Childcare and domestic duties
- Performance management
- Breach of policy
Contact us to tailor a working from home policy to suit your needs.
Book a 15 min chat with our HR consultant to scope it out!
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