Since the COVID-19 outbreak began the government has urged people to work from home where possible. Working from home is no longer the alien concept it once was; more and more workers across an eclectic mix of industries will have at least one day a week working from their home ‘office’.
Adequate light, access to fresh air, correct posture and regular breaks a-side, for those new to the concept Acas has now released some valuable, practical, new guidance for both employees and employers. “Employers and staff who are following this advice may be home working for their very first time and unsure about their rights or how to best manage the situation” stated Acas’ Chief Executive.
The guidance details a number of important suggestions for both sides of the working relationship to consider prior to committing to any schedule or arrangement, for example:
- the employees’ needs, for example anyone with childcare responsibilities, a long-term health condition or a disability;
- ensuring that the working arrangements have been agreed in writing so that all parties are clear what is expected;
- agreeing exactly which tasks can be done from home and avoid assuming that a role cannot be performed remotely; and
- regularly having conversations with employees about their working from home arrangements, adapting them where necessary and where possible.
Health and safety, insurance, expenses and equipment are also covered in some manner. The full guidance can be found here.