Remote working is likely to become commonplace in the workforce. It is important companies manage this, and their workforce, effectively. This is why it is helpful to follow some practical tips on health and safety at home.
An appropriate work environment at home is likely to include:
- A room or space that is dedicated to the purpose of work – having a designated working space ensures the worker can be visually and acoustically isolated, which minimises distractions and helps them to concentrate, while also maintaining a boundary between home life and work, which is essential for remote workers
- A satisfactory level of ventilation, humidity and temperature
- An appropriate level of lighting which allows people to perform tasks in an accurate, effective and healthy matter
- A reliable broadband connection, and telephone lines, if required
- A home work space which has these features will help employees to be as productive as possible when they work from remotely.
Companies should ensure employees feel connected
With loneliness and a lack of connection cited as being issues which hamper remote working, it is vital companies do what they can to minimise the feeling of abandonment, disconnection or isolation that some employees feel when working remotely.
When people feel isolated, it is common for them to suffer a negative impact on their occupational health and their well-being. Companies have a duty of care for their employees, and there are steps they can take which will help workers to feel connected to the team and unit.
Companies should ensure employees have access to communication tools and that suitable support is available as and when required by team members. There is a broad range of communication tools on offer, and these include emails, chat services, shared document systems, video conferencing, shared agendas and collaborative working tools.
These communication tools should be used to keep employees informed about developments in the industry, the company, in teams and across the organisation. If it is appropriate to do so, communication of this nature can also be used to inform colleagues as to the progress of their colleagues.
Employees should be encouraged to stay in touch
It is important companies encourage the appropriate use of online informal contact. This can take the place of virtual coffee breaks or forums or chats. While the main focus should be on productivity, there is a lot to be said for maintaining the social aspect of the workforce.
For many people, work is their main form of social interaction, and remote working poses challenges for people who don’t have much social interaction away from the workplace. While this should be managed, and possibly monitored to ensure further problems don’t arrive, it is helpful for firms to allow their employees to engage in this manner.
If you would like more guidance and training on how to manage remote working and ensure you are delegating tasks efficiently, please contact Global Solution Services today or join onto any of our webinars or on-line training courses, and we will be happy to assist you in achieving your goals, allowing you to care for yourself, and your loved ones.