Are you doing everything you need to ensure you have a safe work from home environment?
Home Office Safety and Security Week, observed during the second full week of January, encourages employees to take a better look at their workspace at home. In fact, at Data Axle, a majority of our employees work remotely. And we still provide industry-leading service to our clients.
According to the United States Census, about 43% of Americans work from home on occasion. Of those, 5.2% work from home entirely. That means 8 million workers in the country work from home. Your safety is your responsibility while working from home. Here are some things to keep in mind for the home office:
1. Flexible Scheduling
Sometimes you can start your day when you want to. Some people also can run errands they wouldn’t normally because of where they live. Keep in mind this will vary from employer to employer.
2. No Dress Code
Many people who work from home wear cozy clothes including sweatpants or even pajamas while working. Often you’ve got no one to impress except yourself—at least from the waist up.
3. Fewer Distractions
Some people find it easier to work from a home office because there are fewer sounds, gossip, and white noise. However, some workers have to deal with children and/or pets at home. Plan accordingly for conference calls and meetings.
4. No Commute
When working from home, some employees can add hours back to their days due to no longer commuting to the office. This can mean more time spent with family and loved ones. Just don’t forget to start your vehicle every once in a while.
5. You Control the Thermostat
Is your office too hot during summer or too cold during winter? If you work from home, you get to control the temperature year-round. No more reaching for a blanket in the middle of July.
6. Save Money
People who work from home save money on gas costs, morning coffees, and eating out. Money also can be saved on dry cleaning, clothing, and other everyday work costs.
7. Safety is Your Responsibility
Since you’re spending more time at home, you need to make sure you have fire escape, emergency weather, and other plans. This can include the addition of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If you have any important paperwork at home, keep it in a fire-proof file cabinet. At-home workers should also keep their offices clutter-free to avoid trip hazards.
8. Cyber Security is Important, Too
It’s important to make sure your home computer is up to date with the latest anti-virus and firewall software. Data also should be backed up and stored in password-protected files.
