ADVICE & OPINION
COMPLIANCE
HOME WORKING ESSENTIALS FOR MANAGERS
Under strict new measures to try to slow the spread of
coronavirus all non-key workers in the UK have been told to
work from home. Here, we look at the responsibilities of FMs in
ensuring compliance is maintained for remote based workers. www.barbour-ehs.com
While employees are temporarily working
from home you should consider:
The best way to keep in touch with them.
What work will they be doing?
Is the planned work able to be completed safely?
Are control measures needed?
WORKSTATION AND DSE
The HSE have advised that for those working from
home temporarily home workstation assessments
are not needed.
If possible IT equipment, in addition to laptops,
should be provided.
Does the employee have the correct IT kit, for
example screen, mouse?
Does the employee have a desk or makeshi
desk? Can a kitchen table be used for example if a
desk isn’t available?
Can the employee work comfortably? Will using
cushions make the seating more comfortable?
Does the employee know how to get help with IT
or kit issues?
12 APRIL 2020
Breaks should be taken from DSE work (a
minimum of 5 minutes each hour).
The employee should change position regularly,
get-up and stretch.
If an employee doesn’t have the correct work
equipment, breaks should be taken every 25 mins
to stretch.
EMPLOYEE WELLBEING
Especially in the current climate employee wellbeing
is paramount. Many employees may now be working
from home; this could be a sudden change to their
working arrangements and there is uncertainty as
to how long this will be for. There may be multiple
family members working from home, when
previously a home worker has been used to quiet
time and space when being based at home.
Regularly check that your employees are ok,
keeping in place lines of communication and
detecting if they are becoming stressed or feeling
down.
Support communication between team members.
Put in place an emergency point of contact, where
they can get help if need be.
In association with
Encourage employees to:
Define work and rest time.
Set up a designated workspace.
Get dressed.
Write a daily to-do list.
Contribute regularly to team chats/group emails
and encourage ‘non-work’ conversations.
Ask for support when needed.
If an employee is ill, they should take time o .
Encourage employees to do some sort of exercise
at lunch time even if its walking round the kitchen
or stretching.
Encourage employees to eat healthy foods; it’s
easy to snack on crisps and chocolate. Drink
plenty of water.
TRAVELLING FROM HOME
If your employees travel from home to
appointments, a lone worker risk assessment may
be needed. It’s particularly important to make sure
you know where they are, who they are with and
when they are expected back.
WORK
Utilise online training and meetings.
Encourage employees to let you know if they have
queries, questions or worries.
Telephone contact/video calling should be
encouraged.
Tell employees what is going on with the rest of
the team and the wider business – being aware of
the full picture can help avoid employees feeling
isolated.
Be aware that young or inexperienced workers
may need additional support.
Set realistic KPI’s.
Discuss and agree daily with each member of sta
what they are aiming to achieve for that day.
Think about your tone and wording.
Listen carefully to their tone of voice, are they
feeling stressed or anxious?
/www.barbour-ehs.com
