WFH Wellbeing: The Remote Working Revolution

Over the last few years, many of us have swapped the office for our homes. We’ve switched up the time it would have taken us to commute on a packed-out train for a morning walk with the dog, swapped grabbing too many takeaway lattes for cups of coffee in our favourite mugs, and exchanged the constant buzz of the office for the peace of our own WFH set-up.

However, just because an employee is working from home doesn’t mean you don’t have any responsibility for their health and safety. As remote and hybrid working continue to shape the modern workplace, it remains crucial for us to prioritise our employees’ physical and mental wellbeing, even when they’re working from home.

Remote working can work really well for both employees and employers – but only if it’s done right. At Osteopaths For Industry (OFI), we understand the importance of maintaining a safe, healthy working environment for those who work from home. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with valuable insights and guidance on managing the health and safety of remote workers, covering risk assessments, stress and mental health support, safe computer usage, and how you can create a secure working environment.

Your Health and Safety Responsibilities for Remote Workers

As an employer, your responsibility for the health and safety of your remote workers should be no different to your duty of care for your on-site workers. Whether you’re considering employees who work from home all the time to those who have a hybrid working arrangement, it’s crucial to look out for their health and well-being. Key considerations for your risk assessment of home workers include stress and poor mental health, safe equipment usage, and their working environment. Open communication with your remote-working staff is essential to ensure that working from home suits everyone involved.

The Importance of Risk Assessments

Conducting a comprehensive risk assessment for home workers is crucial to ensure their health and safety. While physical visits to their homes are usually unnecessary, you must ensure they have a healthy and safe work environment. The key factors you should consider when conducting this type of risk assessment include what communication methods they’re using to connect with colleagues, the type and duration of the work they’re doing day-to-day, safety protocols, and the implementation of control measures.

But how do you carry out this type of risk assessment?

Practical ways to conduct risk assessments for home workers:

Supporting Your Remote Workers’ Mental Health

Protecting remote workers from stress and mental health issues is of the utmost importance. Remote workers may face similar challenges to their on-site counterparts but can also experience increased feelings of isolation and disconnection as a result of working from home. However, as an employer, there are practical steps you can take to manage and support the mental wellbeing of your remote workforce. These include:

Making Sure Remote Workers are Using Their Computer/Laptop Safely

Working with computers and laptops (display screen equipment or DSE) at home can pose health and safety risks that can spiral into much more serious issues, so it should never be overlooked. Ensuring proper ergonomics and equipment safety is essential to protect remote workers’ musculoskeletal health.

Creating a Comfortable Working Environment

Remote workers should have a safe place to work, free from potential hazards. While you are responsible for the electrical equipment provided, you should also educate workers about general safety practices and emergency procedures.

For more RIDDOR guidance, click here.

In Summary

Prioritising the health and safety of remote workers is paramount in today’s evolving work landscape. By conducting thorough risk assessments, addressing stress and mental health concerns, promoting safe computer usage, and creating a secure working environment, employers can support their remote workforce’s musculoskeletal wellbeing and overall health. Embrace these practices and cultivate a culture of wellbeing to ensure a productive and healthy remote working experience.