The New Normal—Working From Home
Many employers are now having their employees work from their homes. The good news is that it seems to be working. Employers are finding that their employees can get to work and be effective working remotely. We think that this trend will continue. Employers are rethinking the “traditional office,” and how employees relate to their clients and co-workers.
“A typical employer can save about $11,000 a year for every person who works remotely half of the time.” — Kate Lister, president of global workplace analytics
New Risks Ahead
With Remote Workers, There Is an Increase in Risk For:
- Storing client information
- Selling and documentation
- Using unsecured networks
- Lack of cyber security
Employers will need to evaluate these risks and develop procedures to help employees mitigate risks in the long term. There are ways to reduce these risks through developing policies and procedures. Cyber insurance can also offer risk transfer that will provide added protection for employers.
Helping Employees Manage Their Remote Work Experience
As the new normal continues, it will be important for employees to self-manage their work experience. Here are a few tips.
Remote Workers Need to Be Aware of These Challenges:
- Lack of a work routine
- Tendency to over-work
- Lack of human interaction
- Prioritizing a work project
- Interruptions from family, pets, phone calls, and the doorbell
How to Make Working Remotely Work for You:
- Confine your workspace to a specific area in your home.
- Set up your workspace like your office.
- Set a schedule and create a routine.
- When in doubt, go with over-communication; update your supervisor frequently on everything you are doing, and whether your schedule and deliverables are changing in any way.
- After work, stay off electronic devices for some time to transition to “home time.”
- Take regular breaks.
- Get dressed every day. Taking the time to get dressed and perform your usual self-care routine can prove a big psychological booster.
