Working from home guide

Enabling employees to work at home or another remote location (also called remote working and telework) can offer flexibility, support business continuity and reduce commuting costs.

With employees seeking to juggle family and work commitments and avoid the time and stress of the daily commute, the option of working at home or another site closer to home, can make life easier. For employers, remote working can help attract and retain talented people, promote productivity and reduce office costs. In times of disruption, remote working can allow staff to keep the business operating.

Working from home might best suit people who can work with data or focus on research, writing or creative tasks. It might be an arrangement for some days or all days depending on the employee and work role. Realising the benefits and overcoming the challenges of working away from a central site requires some planning. 

Here are some ways to successfully implement working from home:

• Ensure the employee and their role are suitable.
• Enable regular communication among team members to support team cohesion and minimise isolation.
• Assist managers to manage teleworkers.
• Check physical set up and technology, including remote access and data security.
• Encourage employees to structure their day including scheduled breaks.
• Make sure there are arrangements for looking after children and pets.

For more ideas and advice see our factsheet and the links below.