Working from home - the 'new normal'?

For years many of us have commuted daily to places of work where we have sat and wished that we were, in fact, still at home in our pyjamas working remotely.

Then along came a global pandemic which forced the UK government to order everyone to stay at home unless it was absolutely crucial to travel to a public workplace, and overnight our normal working routines were dramatically transformed.

Fourteen weeks later, many of us are still continuing to work from home and with the knowledge that we will be social distancing for the foreseeable future, it is vitally important that charities implement measures in order to support their staff.

Tips for managing staff remotely

• Implement a homeworking policy

• Set clear expectations

• Agree ways of working

• Trust the staff team to work independently

• Check employee rights

• Confirm contact methods and regularity

• Provide suitable equipment ie laptops

• Confirm IT support and contribution towards broadband costs

• Ensure remote access to work systems

• Ensure staff continue to comply with the organisation's health and safety policy

• Carry out risk assessment of all work activities

• Review working times and introduce flexibility

• Clarify salaries, allowances, benefits

• Maintain data protection

• Use video conferencing to stay in touch with staff with regular meetings

• Share information

• Increase levels of communication

• Check on staff wellbeing regularly

• Continuous review of working arrangements

Tips for working from home for staff

• Establish a flexible routine that suits the individual

• Be disciplined

• Devise a list of priorities at the start of the week and daily

• Create a dedicated workplace

• Close the door at the end of the working day

• Ensure workspace is correctly set up for comfort ie footrest

• Take regular breaks

• Go out for a walk and fresh air

• Stay connected to colleagues

• Ask for help

• Socialise virtually

• Set boundaries with other members of the household

• Turn off phone notifications

• Don't allow household chores to be a distraction

• Dress as you would for going in to the office

• Turn work phone off at the end of the working day

• Close down computer / laptop when finished

Further resources for employers:-

• acas ' Working from home'

• hse 'Protect home workers'

Further resources for staff:-

• gov.uk 'Guidance for the public on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus'

• mind 'Coronavirus and your mental health'

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