A change to the location of work is just one example of a flexible working arrangement, according to the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Normally, if an employee has worked with the same employer for at least 12 months, and they fulfil any number of prescribed categories, they can request to enter a flexible working arrangement that can’t be knocked back by their employer unless it’s for “reasonable business grounds”.
In 2020, a lot of employers are automatically offering flexible work benefits as part of their employment packages, while others are implementing work-from-home practices and policies in an effort to combat potential COVID-19 infections and proactively practice social distancing.
According to an evidence summary on social distancing, from Evidence compendium and advice on social distancing and other related measures for response to an influenza pandemic found through the Australian government’s Department of Health website, workplace-related interventions like work closure and working from home are “modestly effective”, as well as being acceptable or even popular among employees.
“Working from home is potentially moderately effective in reducing transmission of influenza.”
It cited a Japanese study which saw a workplace policy of being able to remain at home on full pay reduced the overall risk of infection during the 2009 influenza pandemic by about 20 per cent.
It also noted a US study that concluded teleworking when a family member is affected may reduce the risk of acquisition of severe influenza symptoms among employees by about 30 per cent.
If you do work from home, you need to ensure you aren’t compromising your ability to carry out your work safely.
Here are some tips to stay healthy from home:
1. Make sure you have a dedicated work space
Your home work location should be a suitable physical environment with adequate furniture, equipment and lighting. Use a suitable chair, and make sure you have a desk space that is both big enough and at an appropriate height.
2. Get rid of the clutter
Clutter can be as distracting as it can be dangerous. Keep pets in other rooms or outside, and make sure you aren’t going to trip on electrical cords or belongings.
3. Structure your day
Just because you are at home doesn’t mean your routine needs to go out the window! Structure your day as you normally would — don’t keep jumping up and down to get snacks or a coffee just because you want to take a look at the pantry — unless you do this on a normal day at work!
4. Keep up the contact
Chances are, your colleagues are feeling the same way about working from home as you are!
Everyone needs a vent, and just because you aren’t physically seeing them in the office doesn’t mean you can’t still keep up the water-cooler talk!
