Australian Employers Network on Disability

Working from home, (also known as home-based work, teleworking or telecommuting) is becoming an increasingly popular work option in Australia.

Working from home involves employees working away from the main work site on a part-time, full-time, temporary or permanent basis.  Many organisations allow employees to work from home for some of the time, depending on the nature of the work.

Many self-employed people also work from home, as do contract and freelance employees.

Who Can Work From Home?

It is up to the employer whether working from home is an option in any given situation.  Some types of work are not appropriate for a working from home arrangement, and some employers may not feel comfortable with the lack of supervision inherent in a work from home arrangement.

You can ask your employer about the possibility of working from home if the job requirements are suitable.  In some situations, employers may request that you complete a “qualifying period” at the workplace before commencing a work from home arrangement.  This allows the employer to develop trust, and ensures that all tasks are being completed correctly.

Safety Issues

Conditions of work for home-based employees are equivalent to those in the workplace.  This includes Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) issues, workers’ compensation and providing a safe work.

The home-based worksite is an extension of the workplace, so you need to consider basic safety issues such as:
· Is there enough/too much light?
· Is the ventilation adequate?
· Is the area too noisy?

Your employer may want to conduct an OH&S safety check before you begin working from home, as they will be liable for any injuries that may occur.

Reasonable Adjustments and Workplace Modifications

Employees with disability may require reasonable adjustments to ensure they can safely and effectively perform the requirements of the job.  Reasonable adjustments may include changes to work processes or equipment, or adjusting work schedules.

Daily Routine

People who work from home need a lot of discipline, and it may be helpful to develop a routine.  Get up, shower, have breakfast and “go to work”, just as you would to your workplace.

It is important to separate home and work, so you may need to shut your door, and tell anyone else at home that you are not available.

Benefits

· Higher levels of productivity
- Less time spent socialising
- Fewer interruptions and distractions.
· Reduced costs
- Employers save on office space and associated costs.
- Employers can save on workplace modifications, as home environments are often already accessible (eg. modified furniture, special equipment or software, etc)
· Flexible working hours
- Employees can work around family commitments and other individual requirements
- Employees who work better at a particular time of day can schedule their work accordingly.
· Eliminate travel
- Save time and money spent on commuting
- People with a mobility impairment do not have to deal with transport issues.

Checklist

You and your employer should address the following issues before starting a work from home arrangement:
· purchase and installation of any equipment, such as a computer, printer, furniture, fax or internet connection
· communication – outline how and when employees must “check in” to the workplace, eg. phone, email, instant messaging
· develop support systems such as regular team meetings, discussions with a supervisor to monitor any issues and improve arrangements
· reimbursement of work-related expenses such as electricity and phone
· OH&S and workers' compensation — it may be necessary to conduct an OH&S check or worksite assessment to identify any potential problems before starting the arrangement
· when (and if) the employee will be required to attend the worksite
· access to employee training and development opportunities
· terms and conditions of employment including pay and leave entitlements
· dealing with clients
· security of work-related equipment and materials
· evaluation and review of the arrangement
· conditions and procedures for ending/renegotiating the agreement.

Addressing the above issues will ensure your working from home arrangement benefits both you and your employer.

Related hyperlinks:

Seek – How To Work From Home
http://www.seek.com.au/editorial/0-7-4_workathome.htm

AC People – Work From Home
http://www.acpeople.com.au/work-from-home/

Department of Family and Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
http://www.facs.gov.au/