What does the law say about working from home?

An employee can request flexible working, which can include working from home, after 26 weeks consecutive service. An employer can refuse this request if they can demonstrate that this would have a detrimental effect on the business by granting flexible (home) working. 

An employer is responsible for the health and safety of their employees wherever they are performing their work duties. There is a legal obligation for an employer to carry out a risk assessment for their home workers and take responsible steps to correct any issues that are reported. 
 
Without a risk assessment being completed, the employer is liable for a fine and could potentially leave themselves exposed if an employee claims for any injuries that occur whilst working at home. 

We have all experienced what it is like to work at home. For one employee, it's a relief that more gets done and he is less disturbed by colleagues, for example. Others miss the social contacts and the chance to catch up at the coffee machine. For the time being, we will continue to work at home a large part of the time, as this is the only way that many companies can comply with the 2.0m society. Yet we increasingly notice that it is difficult for workers to maintain a good work-life balance. 
 
And this leads to a growing number of stress-related complaints, experts tell us. The psychosocial workload is difficult to measure from a distance. There is little or no insight into the employee, it requires a different way of managing and many workers are afraid of losing their jobs because of the possible approaching recession and therefore prefer not to say how they are really doing. In addition, we notice (and several studies, including Bloomberg May? 2020, endorse this) that people are working more hours and longer consecutively at home. So a good home office is important.

A good home office set consists of a number of components: 
1. The correct position of the monitor; if you work with a laptop, this can be realised with a laptop stand, such as the Ergo-Q 330 or the circular and durable Ergo-Top 320. If you have a laptop or use a desktop PC, you will also need an (external) monitor. With a monitor arm or a monitor raiser, you can place the screen at the right viewing height and distance. 
2. Ensure that the chair and table are at the right height. A kitchen table is often higher than a desk. A good desk, whether or not height-adjustable, plus a good office chair are essential.  
3. When using a laptop, an external mouse and keyboard are very important. With these two aids, you can adopt a relaxed and compact working posture, which puts less strain on your muscles and reduces the risk of physical discomfort. The UltraBoard 950 compact keyboard brings the mouse closer to the body than a standard version. 

Physical and mental fitness 
In addition to the practical hardware solutions that are necessary at every home workplace, it is also important to coach people in their behaviour. Do they take regular recovery moments? Are they not staring at a screen for too long? BakkerElkhuizen has developed the WORK & MOVE employee well-being software for this purpose.

The WORK & MOVE software contributes demonstrably to a sustainable performance improvement. As a personal coach, WORK & MOVE ensures sufficient variation between mental and physical exercise and concentrated screen work. WORK & MOVE gives your employees insight and feedback on their work behaviour. Based on personal preferences, the software recommends an optimal work, rest and exercise rhythm.  

The software teaches employees to adopt these routines. By regularly including mental and physical moments of exercise (so-called pit stops), your employees remain energetic and work with greater concentration. Scientific studies show that pit stops also have a positive effect on productivity and the quality of work.