Homeworking
During the COVID-19 pandemic many people have had no choice but to work from home, albeit for a temporary period. The experience has now prompted employers and employees to explore whether this arrangement could be made a permanent one.
There are clearly pro’s and con’s for business, performance, health, work-life balance and flexibility but proposing such a change on a permanent footing needs careful HR planning and management. A homeworking proposal needs to have a sound business model with structure and support mechanisms for it to work. It will mean examining if homeworking is practical long term, if the role or jobholder is suitable, changing contracts and working practices to suit home or teleworking, and providing suitable space and equipment. There is also the issue of consultation and reviewing existing homeworking policies and procedures to make sure they are fit for purpose.
If you need more guidance on the advantages and disadvantages, help carrying out a consultation process, or a homeworking policy or procedure please contact us.