Even after the Covid-19 lockdown, many feel it could be the best way forward in normal times. Bosses have realised there are many benefits, from financial to production, especially as a result of the new technology that enables people to keep in touch from remote workplaces.
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Home office efficiency
Home offices have proved to be efficient and cost-effective. This is something many UK businesses have become accustomed to since the lockdown began on 16th March this year. Businesses can re-invest the money saved from renting office space into their websites, digital marketing campaigns and eCommerce platforms.
A survey of employers has revealed the trend for working from home has proved surprisingly effective over the past five months. A poll of 1,000 UK employers revealed a massive 70% were ready to be more flexible about working from home in future. Of those willing to give it a go, around 50% cited financial savings as the driving factor.
Before the pandemic, only 45% of bosses were willing to consider allowing employees to work away from the office. Now, 57% of bosses are actively looking into how they can adapt their usual office-based working practices in the future.
Around one-third are looking into offering more services online, while 20% are being proactive in starting to reduce their current office space now. A massive 80% of businesses are keen to use more video-conferencing for meetings to adhere to social distancing regulations.
Working safely
Bosses are keen to give their employees the freedom to work safely, comfortably and in a flexible manner in today's changing climate. Some companies are considering incorporating staggered starting times.
The latest government guidelines with regard to returning to work were released on 1st August. Employers have the discretion to allow employees to continue to work from home. They can consult with staff to ascertain how they can continue to work safely.
Although employers can suggest staff return to the office, as long as it has been made safe by following the Covid-19 regulations, it's anticipated a lot of companies will remain happy with their employees working remotely.
Home-working "more productive"
Research into why people like working from home suggests it makes them feel more productive being away from the distractions of the office.
A study by Canada Life Group asked home-workers how they ranked their productivity in comparison with being office-based. They ranked productivity at home at 7.7 out of 10 - but it dipped to 6.5 out of 10 when working in an open-plan office.
A poll of home-workers in the United States found a massive 91% of them have been more productive working remotely, rather than in an office environment. In fact, a growing body of evidence suggests home-working could be the way forward in the business world of the future.
In financial terms, home-working may have to continue indefinitely, regardless of the pandemic, according to an analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies. It is easier to let staff work remotely for the foreseeable future, after businesses took a huge hit from Covid-19.
It will also stop employees from using public transport again in their droves, risking the spread of the virus. The national average of one in six commuters using public transport rises to one in two in London.
Essential office equipment
The most important thing to do, when working from your living room, is to turn it into a well-equipped home office, filled with the office essentials that you need. Make sure your WiFi is up-to-speed, so you can keep close links with your colleagues. It would be unprofessional if it dipped, mid-video conference call.
Don't develop a sore back from sitting in the wrong type of chair at your desk. Remember you'll be spending a lot of hours seated, so don't think that your regular armchair will be suitable. Another useful item would be a printer, plus some decent speakers and a quality headset for video conferencing.
The key to home-working successfully is being organised. In the office, you have plenty of storage space and know exactly where to find everything. Make sure you have the appropriate home storage solutions, so you don't misplace important items.
Being organised
The most efficient solution is to set up a home office area in a room where you know you have the best WiFi reception, near your router. As well as a decent-size desk and an office chair with back support, installing some portable shelving is also useful.
If you have a lot of paperwork and other stationery, keep it properly organised in suitable storage containers, which can then be put on the shelves as you create a home filing system. Never leave paperwork to pile up on your desk, as it is counter-productive.
Have an organised system, such as an in-tray and out-tray on your desk, so you can keep track of what you're working on and what's complete. An A4 size is sufficient, so they don't take up too much space.
Don't forget to have a larger-than-normal waste-bin in your home office - or consider recycling if you have a lot of office waste, such as paper.
Who pays for your home office?
An employer is usually responsible for providing, installing and maintaining equipment for employees who work at home. This may include your workstation, chair, shelving, cabinet, drawers, office software, broadband connection, a dedicated business telephone line, printer, stationery and other office supplies.
Creating a virtual team from your home-workers can be as small as enabling two employees to speak over the phone, or using more sophisticated tools to enable video-conferencing. It may be worth making the investment now - if the polls are anything to go by, it appears we'll be working from home for at least the foreseeable future.