WORKING REMOTE
Avoiding Remote Work Pitfalls
Clocking In At Home Comes With Responsibility .
The Office . Wow , how this has changed during the last two years , with more companies offering hybrid work environments or moving from a brick-and-mortar office base to one that ’ s home based . Let ’ s face it , many of us were not set up to conduct business from home , and there are some common remote work pitfalls that are potential liabilities for employers .
From a workers ’ compensation perspective , if you ’ re on the clock , your ' office ' can be home or in an employer ’ s building and the same rules apply . Here are some exposures you might not think about — and reasons to review your employee handbook to address the New Normal for your workforce .
DESIGNATE A REMOTE WORKSPACE
Explain the expectations for a work-athome setup . Employees should identify a dedicated space that is free of distractions and obstacles . That includes slip-and-fall hazards like a laundry basket blocking a printer , obstructed pathways , and inadequate seating and desk space . Ergonomics matter . Also , employees should identify a nearby exit in case of an emergency . Be Sure there are working smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher on hand . Ask employees to provide a photo of their at-home work space so you can identify potential hazards that could result in an accidental injury and resulting workers ’ compensation claim .
ADDRESS CYBERSECURITY
Moving employees to home-based offices requires secure internet connections and cyber protection . Equipment and devices with weak security open the door to hacking and can put your entire business at risk . Surge protectors should be used to protect equipment . Also , insist that only employees can use company equipment . Discuss cybersecurity with your insurance advisor , and make sure your policy covers remote workers .
CREATE A WORK-AT-HOME CONTRACT
Home is chock full of distractions . Could you put in a load of laundry before answering an email ? Sure . But this wouldn ’ t happen at the office , and the disruption could cause loss of focus and productivity . If you ’ re on the clock and trip down the stairs while doing laundry , the incident is a possible claim .
Update your employee handbook with clear expectations of what the work-athome environment looks like and how employees must behave when they ’ re remote . Consider setting a defined lunch hour or put in place a time-in / time-out system for accountability . Wage and Hour exposures can increase when employees are based at home . If workers are paid by the hour , emphasize that they are expected to only work during set hours and must be clocked in . Even well-meaning employees who work off the clock to finish a project could present a Wage and Hour risk .
Whatever you decide , get it in writing and then ask employees to sign a work-at-home contract . The key : set expectations , require accountability , and document everything .
Many of the changes to what work looks like are positive for employers and their team members , offering more flexibility to balance life ’ s demands along with reducing commutes and overhead expenses . Just Be Sure your employee handbook reflects these changes . +
Be Sure
Checklist
• Update your employee handbook to include workat-home expectations .
• Request that employees provide a photo of their home office so you can identify potential hazards .
• Create a work-from-home contract to emphasize accountability while working remotely .
• Discuss these changes with your insurance advisor so you can Be Sure proper risk management solutions are in place .
BY : MICHELE HOFFMAN , CIC COMMERCIAL LINES MANAGER
Michele Hoffman joined Deeley Insurance Group in 2017 as the Commercial Lines Manager . She has 33 years of insurance experience , with 20 + of those years specializing in commercial insurance . Michele is a lay counselor at Oak Ridge Baptist Church in Salisbury where she has volunteered for 7 years . She resides in Berlin and enjoys reading , beach combing , attending football games and spending time with family and friends . 410.213.5548 • mhoffman @ deeleyinsurance . com
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