IN a recent survey of almost all of 50 of the UK’s biggest employers, businesses asked said they do not plan to bring staff back to the office full-time.
The information conducted by the BBC indicates that for up to a million workers, remote or flexible will become their new normal.
With more and more companies moving to fully remote working there are many legalities that need to be explored to ensure a complete working relationship between employee and employer.
HR, Employment Law and Health & Safety service providers Citation, have released their advice on how to ensure businesses are remaining efficient, secure and legal.
Gillian McAteer, Head of Employment Law at Citation said: “If businesses feel that their experience of home working during the pandemic has been a successful one and want to incorporate this as a permanent feature of their work arrangements within their business, there are a few key points to bear in mind.
“They should introduce a formal home working policy clarifying the position regarding matters such as the ownership, acceptable use of and insurance of company equipment, absence reporting procedures, responsibility for expenses such as broadband costs for example.
“This will manage expectations on both sides clearly which will be crucial in avoiding problems further down the line.”
Cyber security is a very common concern for businesses employing remote workers as many unique issues can arise from an employee being out of a secure office environment.
Issues such as housemates or partners overhearing confidential conversations between co-workers, or client data being stored on personal computers should all be addressed by businesses prior to the employment of a remote worker.
Citation have also stressed the importance of employers not discriminating when it comes to remote working.
Ms McAteer added: “If a business has some employees working remotely and some working in the office, it should be down to personal choice by the employee.
“The business would also need to ensure that any remote workers are not at a disadvantage.
“For example, ensuring all remote workers can join meetings via a video link and have adequate equipment in order to do their job just as well at home as they would on a working premise.”
