There are no commute times
Working where you live saves time and cost of transportation. There are also scientific studies that people who live close to their workplace are happier. You can’t get much closer to home than working out of it.
Employee flexibility increases
Working from home improves work-life balance, especially for families with young children. In most cases, as long as workers are able to complete their work, they can set their own schedule. Working from home allows employees who have children to care for their kids without incurring additional expenses they may not be able to afford.
Workers have more autonomy
Working from home allows workers to take control of their day and set key priorities. Employers have a peace of mind that employees are home safe and able to complete their essential tasks your business needs to operate remotely. Workers also benefit from being able to focus on key tasks without distractions. Employers will need to find a balance that works for both parties on how frequently staff should report in.
If you are launching a new work-from-home initiative, here are some tips to implement remote-working for the first time.
1. Start a daily routine with your employees
Set up recurring meetings with employees who are working from home. Use the time to make sure they have all the tools they need to get work done. It also helps them set a rhythm and determine a clear schedule between work and home.
Create a reasonable schedule for how you want your employees’ days and weeks to unfold. Ask your employees to create a to-do list every day for the next day’s work so they can prioritise and know what they can accomplish. Suggest setting aside time for breaks, exercise and lunch.
If possible, offer flexible hours to your employees. Some of them may have to deal with unique circumstances, while some may prefer to work later hours, leaving the morning to purchase essentials items during less crowded periods.
2. Help build a productive workplace at home
Make use of digital communication tools to stay in contact effectively, such as Skype or Google Hangout Meet. Check in with your employees and make sure they are fully equipped to work from home.
Request that employees reduce distractions by allocating time in their day to manage non-work activities. Setting aside time to focus on work is important as it allows them to focus better.
3. Protect company data while working from home
Employees must be able to keep sensitive business information private and work in a secure manner. Ensure they have the tools and resources they need to work remotely in a secure manner. This includes providing company-issued hardware for business activities.
Provide access to critical software applications, such as creating a secure VPN for your organisation to ensure employees can securely access software applications remotely.
Ensure your employees follow best data security practices, such as isolating themselves during sensitive calls, or using headphones to keep conversations private, as well as not leaving sensitive information unattended even at home.
The article is contributed by Randstad Singapore.
