Working from home is a dream for many, but who is responsible when things go wrong?
Whether working remotely for an employer or as a freelancer, working from home is often considered the holy grail of working arrangements. No more commuting, no rigid timetable, the growing number of homeworkers seem to have the best of both worlds. But who is responsible for ensuring worker safety and well-being?
Whereas traditional offices have to comply with strict regulations with regards to breaks, equipment and other safety features, homeworkers having the responsibility of creating their own environment in which to work. In this way, the potentially detrimental impact of working from home is often overlooked.
Current regulations
With the number of ‘telecommuters’ continuing to rise, the issue of their safety and who is responsible should an accident occur has been brought to the foreground.
Smoke alarms and chairs with adequate back support are just two of a myriad of requirements set out by some employers, as an attempt to ensure that members of staff working from home are protected in the same way as employees in an office.
Others, instead, do not take direct responsibility for their home-working employees’ well-being but reimburse expenses used to create a suitable home office. Employers have the same duty of care to all employees regardless of where their work is carried out. Similarly, should an employee be injured when working from home they have the same right to apply for compensation.
Work/home balance
Only you can decide whether or not working from home is suitable for you, but it undeniably involves a great deal of self-discipline. Here are some things to consider before committing to being a telecommuter.
- Consider whether you would find it difficult to stay focused and avoid distractions, from kids to household chores.
- Will you allow yourself the breaks which are required in more structured working environments?
- Organisation is crucial. Have a designated office or area of the house where only work is done; it is important to be able to make the distinction between work and home life.
- Consider the psychological implications. For some, working alone is ideal but for others it could mean feeling detached from the outside world. Conference calls and video links are not a substitute for actual face to face interaction. Leaving the house and interacting with others is important in order to prevent feelings of isolation.
Benefits of working from home
If you take care to ensure that you are working from home safely, the advantages could be limitless. As an expat, the possibility of working remotely will be especially appealing, as you can realistically ‘telecommute’ from anywhere in the world.
Traditional offices, and other working environments for that matter, do not account for individual employees’ ways of working. At home you are responsible for your own timetable and can work at your own pace without the pressure of colleagues or superiors.
If you have a family, the ability to work at home will mean that you can save a fortune on childcare, and also don’t risk missing out on seeing your children grow up.