With COVID-19 companies must promote working from home. Already well established, it can however be a source of anxiety and stress for employees who have never done it before. Who can benefit from it? How can it be best implemented?
The practice of working from home has already been in existence for several years. Some managers have already implemented it in favour of Quality of Work Life (QWL). Indeed, according to a survey, 69% of the working population consider that these new ways of working are a good thing for the future. Strikes, demonstrations, epidemics... so many situations that are conducive to them.
A practice that may become widespread in the years to come?
Can I do my job working from home?
Working from home refers to any form of work organization in which work that could have been carried out on the employer's premises is carried out by an employee outside these premises intentionally, using information and communication technologies .
Each country specifies its rules for working from home. However, your employer has usually the right to refuse you telecommuting if he or she considers that the practice is not suitable for your job, even if other positions in the company can benefit from it.
How can I optimize my work from home station?
Having myself the opportunity to practice it this year on my job, I will give you some guidance on how to organize your work from home.
The internet connection
The basis is a reliable internet connection. If you have the optical fiber, it's even better! The goal is to be easily reachable and to be able to use your digital tools without interruption. It is advisable to use a VPN, especially if you want to protect your data, or if you use a public wifi.
The working environment
Once the computer aspects are settled, take care of your workspace. It must be as suitable as possible!
Before you start working, remember to dress appropriately. It may make you smile, but working in a bathrobe all day can sometimes affect some people's morale... The most important element when defining your work environment is calm. So avoid being right next to your dog Rufus' bowl or in your children's play area...
If you have a room with a desk, it's ideal. If not, create a dedicated space for yourself, for example in the living room. In practice, avoid sitting in the kitchen to avoid cracking on the first packet of biscuits! It can also be interesting to change rooms during the day to avoid monotony: in the morning in the office, in the afternoon in the living room... The main thing is to have the right equipment.
When it comes to the right equipment, it's: a comfortable and ergonomic office chair, a double screen adjusted to eye level, a keyboard, a mouse, a headset... Put your essential documents at your fingertips, just like when you're at the office.
Organization of the work
Your workstation is adapted and your working environment optimised, but the most important thing remains: organization.
Make sure you organize your days: at such and such a time this file, at such and such a time another... At all costs, vary your tasks as much as possible. The day before, you can write a list with all the tasks to be done for the next day.
Of course, make time for breaks, like at the office. During your breaks, it is advisable not to stay in front of your computer: take the opportunity to go to your terrace/balcony, or to quickly lay on the sofa. The aim is to disconnect!
Working from home requires a lot of autonomy, but make sure you keep a link with your employees: videoconferencing or instant messaging systems, there are multiple tools. Do not hesitate to inform your colleagues or your manager/supervisor if you have any doubts or if you are stuck on a task.
It is advisable to carry out regular reviews with your employees to assess one another's progress and any difficulties.
Working from home thus has many advantages for both employees and employers: improved quality of life for employees, reduced absenteeism and turnover, economies of scale on premises and current expenses, better concentration by avoiding open-spaces...
The main thing is to organize your workstation and the way you work, taking care to keep the link with your collaborators.
Mélanie CASCELLI
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