Creative Work from Home Benefits from Employers

WHILE businesses have had to think on their feet during the pandemic to stay open and operating, so have their employees.

And just as companies have had huge logistical problems to resolve on little notice and no precedent to work with, again so have their staff.

For those industries that have been able to switch to a home-based model for their people, there have inevitably been teething problems for all.

Yet we are getting through it and establishing new ways of working – and some businesses are showing signs the new arrangements will become permanent even after the end of the pandemic.

But although losing the commute to work may have its advantages for workers in many regards, it has brought new challenges for people now spending their entire day in their homes.

Bedrooms and dining tables have had to be sacrificed for offices, broadband upgraded, new computers bought, and an increase in utility bills.

And while better firms have at least provided the technology and maybe even office furniture for their people, there are a different set of costs and expectations now being faced by employees.

How can a business respond to keep workers motivated and compensated properly as part of their overall benefits package?

One easily overlooked issue is the corporate culture – while no one commutes for fun, people do like the routine of going to a workplace, and of keeping a life between home and work. As a social animal, humans need interaction which a workplace can provide – but sitting by yourself in your box room cannot. There are no water cooler moments to discuss the game or check in with your friend in Accounting.

This is especially hard for businesses that had prided themselves on a strong culture by providing regular meals, or events and getaways to build teams.

Some have responded by ensuring they send treat boxes and gifts home to staff, others by trying to foster regular social gatherings on Zoom and send pizzas directly to employees’ homes.

Other businesses have focused on practical help they can give their teams – if you are working from home and have children the school holidays bring a whole new dimension to the equation. One solution has been to offer to pay for summer camps, so parents could work without worrying about entertaining their children and knowing they were safe.

And benefits revolving around time off – especially anything linked to the pandemic – have been very well received by employees who have been handling self-isolation, quarantine, childcare, doctors’ visits, and supporting relatives, all of which has taken a huge toll on paid time off for many people.

Unusual times call for unusual solutions, and the best companies are experimenting with how best to support their key assets – their people – to help them stay positive, motivated, and productive.