As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses are transitioning to a combination of employees working in a physical office and part working remotely from home.
If you have employees who are working from home, it is important that your business has a Working From Home policy in place.
Factors to Consider
When an employee is working from home, they are still an employee of the business and working on the business’ behalf. Their home becomes the workplace.
Employees working from home brings with it the possibility of security threats through use of their personal computer. Hence, virus protection software becomes important.
Maintaining productivity of your employees while they are working remotely can become a concern. It is important that a stringent policy is in place to mitigate any concerns and provide a framework for employees while working remotely.
Having a clear and comprehensive Working From Home policy helps businesses mitigate any potential risks and sets up a clear framework for the employee while working remotely.
Working From Home Policy
Before a business allows employees to begin working from home, a stringent and robust Working From Home policy should be implemented to govern remote working guidelines and outline the processes for how the business wishes to operate while working remotely.
The terms in the policy, amongst other points, should canvass:
- Work health and safety;
- Cyber security;
- Training;
- Equipment;
- Productivity; and
- Employee and employer contact.
Additionally, the policy should outline the expectations of the employee whilst working from home and the obligations on the employer whilst the employee is working remotely.
How Can We Help?
It is important that a Working From Home policy is in place in your business, which is tailored to your business’ specific needs whilst also being clear to employees regarding the expectations required of them.
If you are a business transitioning into having your staff work from home and if you require a Working From Home policy and/or advice, please do not hesitate to contact Aaran Johnson on ajohnson@marsdens.net.au or Simon Kumar on skumar@marsdens.net.au or by phoning 02 4626 5077 to discuss.
The contents of this publication are for reference purposes only. This publication does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Specific legal advice should always be sought separately before taking any action based on this publication.
