Prior to March 2020 the global economy, every changing commercial environment and increased emphasis on profits have led to employers offering a variety of flexible working practices. One of these, teleworking (TW), is becoming more common as organisations attempt to improve efficiency and profits by reducing overheads on office accommodation for employees. The “nomadic worker travels to where the work is, free from the requirements to be based in a central workplace”.
Teleworking is where people work at home or in a general location away from the workplace using telephones, computers and information technology. For businesses, they may see this as the future, with the perception of reduced over-heads, savings in office costs, less absenteeism, attract people who may not be able to work a traditional 9-5 working day or those who could not easily travel e.g. those with certain disabilities. Wearing our environmental head, it could mean less congestion and pollution from commuting to and from the office.
What Impact Coronavirus Has Had
The virus outbreak has increased the number and range of people now working full or part-time from home. However, for every positive, if not considered carefully, teleworking can cause as many problems as solutions.
TW may generate feelings of insecurity and stress as a result of isolation or conflicting demands for employees, the traditional lines between home and work are blurred. A poorly set up work station in a spare bedroom or worse still on the kitchen table may lead to neck and upper limb pains and eye strain.
Much TW is done in a home not designed for TW, work, storage, work stations or lack of equipment can be problems. Not having others to bounce ideas off can be a problem as the worker, if not managed well, may feel lacking in support which in turn could affect their effectiveness and health.
If introduced with management commitment and support this can be an effective working method allowing women in particular a better life balance, they may be able to work their day around children and their partner’s work. There is an increased flexibility with less time wasted in travel.
But a note of caution before we all leap in to work at home, the individual needs to be self-motivated, able to manage themselves and their work. There are some people whose personality and characteristics makes them unsuitable, some people can work alone and never be lonely, but there are some who feel alone even in a crowded room if they are not the centre of attention.
Managers too need to learn new skills to ensure that they support and manager employees effectively even if they can not see them from their office.
Many teleworkers state that they work longer hours when they telework, but accept this as the increased flexibility still enables a better work balance.
Cambridge Safety have a range of blogs that provide various information regarding health and safety Coronavirus and working from home. Go and give them a read or contact us to get enrolled on one of our courses.
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