Since the global pandemic of 2020, work from home jobs have become more common than ever. So much so, that many employers now offer their employees the flexibility to work from home or as part of a hybrid working arrangement. However, many employers are unaware that a home worker is classified as a lone worker if they work from home, meaning that the employer should provide training, supervision, monitoring, and support for home workers.
Why is a home worker classified as a lone worker?
All employees who work from home are likely to spend at least some portion of their day performing their job alone. Working at home with little communication with colleagues can affect a worker’s mental health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental health is still common. But mental illnesses are actual diseases that must be taken seriously. Therefore, employers should think about treating their home workers differently from those in the office. It’s important that you regularly keep in touch with your employees, no matter where they are, to ensure they’re ok.
How can I monitor and provide support for home workers?
Danger can come to any workplace. Do not assume that your employees are safe, just because they are working from home. Try to do the following:
- Communicate – stay in regular contact with your employees throughout the day. Video calls, phone calls, and emails are all ways in which you can keep in touch with your employees.
- Pre-arranged check-ins – designate pre-arranged check-in times with your employees to see how they’re getting on with their day.
- Pair up team members – deliberately pair up team members to be each other’s buddies who check in on each other regularly.
Investing in a lone worker product for home workers
First2HelpYou recommends the lone worker app for home workers. It’s an easy-to-use and cost-effective application that enables employees to seek help when and if they need it. Key features include:
- Amber Alert: this is a timed event ensuring employees have finished working safely and are home safe.
- Red Alert: employees can raise an immediate alert if they require assistance.
- Man Down: detects sudden movement followed by a period of inactivity and automatically sends an alert to our alarm receiving centre (Android only).
- GPS – provides a high degree of location accuracy of up to 10 meters.