Working From Home

Savvy_Sue

MovingForwards said:

I agree with JamoLew.
For me, if I knew how long I would be working from home and how often I would set up something resembling what I have at work. Unfortunately, this would involve scaling down my furniture to make space for desk / chair etc as I purchased my flat to live in, not work from. As it stands I'm working off a laptop, on my lap, which isn't great due to disabilities. Before anyone says anything I've been trying since given it to get reasonable adjustments.

We've been able to have a small number of people in the office each day, and although we didn't do it immediately, we've now asked managers to do a mini-DSE with their teams. I know there's one person working from a laptop on their lap at home, and I really hope they are going to be told that if they can't work safely at home, then they must return to the office. There is already one person who has said they cannot work from home, so they've been in every day. 

Personally, I love WFH but I can't actually do all my job here! DH is at home too, we work in separate areas and take it in turns to make the tea. 

This is going to be one of the new divides: those who can easily WFH and those whose living arrangements don't allow for that. If this had happened when we still had children at home, finding the right space would have been much more difficult. 

MalMonroe

MrsStepford said:

Husband has been based at home since 13th March, although he is going out all over South East when there are problems to sort. This week, he was told that the company (quite abig one) has been so pleased with the improved productivity, improved staff morale and cost savings, that they have decided, that anyone who wants to carry on WFH can do so. Also, that they will provide any extra IT or office equipment needed. 

The first step they've made, is to set up an internal 'social media'-type thing so that people can chat with each other across the company. They've also sent out an earpiece-headphone thing which is wireless and it means that husband can mute background noise in the house and wander about talking while putting washing machine on or making himself a snack. 

So now he has to make an assessment, about what he needs and how this will work for us as a couple as well. He's been camped out in the back end of the sitting room and long-term, that's not feasible. We have the space to set him up an office elsewhere in the house, if we move furniture and re-decorate. 

Have to say that I approached the WFH thing with apprehension as I am at home working on my website and have done for years. But it's been relaxed and quite fun to have him here. Bags under his eyes have completely gone and he's way less stressed. 

So I thought I'd ask what other forum members have experienced working from home. If this is the new normal for you, what changes are you making ? Are there tax implications on accepting IT and office equipment ? Also, are there downsides to WFH ? Husband has seemingly hollow legs and guzzles tea about every 45 mins so shopping costs more. 

If your husband is still employed, there shouldn't be any tax implications for him, should there? It's brilliant that his employers are pleased with the improved productivity, improved staff morale and cost savings and have offered working from home. I wouldn't worry about your husband's tea guzzling habits, he must be saving on travel now he's not having to go out to work. 

You sound as if you have a lovely relationship and the part that really struck me was when you said "it's been relaxed and quite fun to have him here. Bags under his eyes have completely gone and he's way less stressed." 

He's happy and you're happy and you do have the room to make an office for your husband.  His employer will provide what equipment he needs, it sounds really good to me. You both have connections to the outside world, it's not as if you're cut off and with the internet you could always widen your connections socially if you wanted to. Enjoy your new life! It does sound like the best of both worlds. 

Savvy_Sue

Ah yes, forgot to say we have a staff WhatsApp group. Membership is not compulsory, but I do feel those not in it miss out. Photos of flowers, veg and cooking triumphs. Holiday snaps. "Has anyone got a ..." "Does anyone want a ..."

My last contribution was "Does anyone want some poppy seeds?" Someone said they hoped I wasn't smoking them ... 

Doshwaster

Legally speaking employers are supposed to check that you have a suitable working environment if you  work from home. When several million people were sent home that got forgotten about but if WFH is going to become permanent then companies will have to remember their H&S obligations. 
I'm fine as I have worked from home on and off for years and have a good desk setup (with a better monitor than I have on my desk at work) but it's got to be tough for those working on the kitchen or coffee table.

We've now part reopened the office to those who cannot work from home but only a few people have taken up the offer - either they have a household of kids or are younger people who live in a shared house and want some peace and quiet.

That reminds me, I really should pop into the office soon to raid the stationery cupboard...