The Work from home policy provides assistance and support to employees. This is where they are working from home or working remotely. The safety and well-being of employees are very important while we maintain business continuity.
When it comes to working from home, technology has a large role to play. The proliferation of smartphones, laptops, and productivity apps has made it easier to work from anywhere. Not only does it ensure everyone has the tools and software they need to do their jobs well, but it also protects the business, employee, and customer information.
Remote work arrangements should take into consideration the:
Well-being is a priority as employees learn to work in different ways in this uncertain time. The Legal Consolidated policy encourages employees to contact their manager if there are any circumstances that inhibit their ability to work remotely. All employees are encouraged to take regular breaks, stretch when they are able and avoid sitting for long periods.
Employees should be available and contactable by managers, colleagues and stakeholders as per a normal working day in the office. Teams are encouraged to discuss and agree on how and when they will communicate to stay in touch and support each other. Managers are encouraged to check in with employees regularly to discuss how work priorities are progressing and discuss any emerging issues.
Employees may be able to claim additional expenses as a tax deduction but should seek independent advice about this, that is specific to their circumstances. Employees may be entitled to a remote work allowance for home office consumables and utilities. Employers should endeavour to administer both the one-off payment and weekly allowance through their payroll while giving regard to their own local operating environment and systems. Only employees whose roles allow them to work remotely and who are likely to incur additional expenses in working remotely should be eligible to receive payments.
Adj Professor, Dr Brett Davies, CTA, AIAMA, BJuris, LLB, Dip Ed, BArts(Hons), LLM, MBA, SJD
Legal Consolidated Barristers and Solicitors
National Australian law firm
National: 1800 141 612
Mobile: 0477 796 959
Email: [email protected]