Are you ready for an extended period of homeworking?
All of us are having to adapt to the disruption caused by COVID-19. With daily government advice providing guidance on next steps, authorities are encouraging businesses and organisations to employ tactics such as social distancing and, if possible, working from home as essential measures to help prevent the spread of the virus. Is your organisation ready for a potentially extended and lengthy period of remote working?
In these unprecedented times, Griffiths & Armour are here to help your business navigate the uncertainty this pandemic brings. We’ve consulted with our Risk Management Team to gain their insight into the most effective guidance in making the transition to homeworking, without causing unnecessary disruption and potentially helping to increase productivity. Greg Street, Risk Management Director said:
“As long-term homeworking becomes a reality for a significant proportion of the population, it is important to recognise how this changes the nature of your operations, and consequently the risks faced by you and your colleagues. Health and safety, wellbeing and data protection are all areas where policies, risk assessments and training will most likely need to be reconsidered.”
Additionally, here are 4 more aspects of working from home you should consider…
- Technology: Ensure that your company has the appropriate technology in place to facilitate employees working externally. You can use technology to stay connected, utilising tools such as Instant Messaging and Videoconferencing to make it easier to check in with co-workers and collaborate.
- Self-Assessment: Due to social distancing, this risk assessment can be completed by the homeworker. Contact Griffiths & Armour to gain access to this document through our RMworks system.
- Occupational Stress: Employers should ensure that homeworkers’ workloads are managed, with excessive and unrealistic demands avoided. Regular contact and support for homeworkers should be available. Segregation between work and non-work areas can assist in maintaining an appropriate work/life balance.
- Data Protection and Security: Provide homeworkers with suitable training and instruction on data protection and security. Good practice includes secure storage and transportation of documents and other items containing confidential data, such as laptops, media and memory sticks. Employees should also ensure that suitable arrangements are in place for the disposal of confidential waste.
The above guidance is taken from our comprehensive Home Working guidance document which is available now to all Griffiths & Armour clients through our RMworks online risk management platform. If you would like more information on guidance for employees working from home or if you are a client that requires help to access RMworks, get in touch using the CONTACT option below and a member of our team will be in touch.
