SA Law's Guide to Working from Home

Use our handy guide for both employers and employees to staying productive and secure when working from home.
Mon 23rd Mar 2020

New to working from home? Use our handy guide to staying productive and secure

How to keep your organisation working when more colleagues are working from home

Home working can be testing if you haven’t done it before. Less contact with colleagues, more distractions, interruptions from family members and flatmates, and that’s before we consider the current challenges of coronavirus. Here are our top tips for getting a day’s work done when you’re not at work. Share it with your teams to help everyone get through this difficult period.

Create a workstation

Try to find a quiet area on your own, ideally where you can sit at a desk. Maintaining good posture can be harder if you don’t have a proper office chair at home, but try to position yourself so that your upper arms are parallel to your torso when typing. Consider adding some lower back support to your chair, such as a cushion or rolled-up towel. Where possible, use an external keyboard and mouse so you can raise your laptop screen to a comfortable height. Thick books can be good for this if you don’t have a laptop stand. Finally, watch out for electrical cables, particularly if you have small people running around! Where possible, set up your work station near a window so you have some access to natural light and ventilation as the weather improves and you can open a window.

Get into a healthy working mindset

Some people find home working difficult because of the interruptions, particularly if there are children at home as a result of schools being closed. Others can suffer from too few interruptions, and suddenly find they have a splitting headache from staring at a screen for four hours without a break. Try to maintain a healthy balance. Start work at the usual time, and take a five-minute break every 45 to 60 minutes to rest your eyes and refresh. Stop for lunch, and finish work at the usual time if possible. If you live with others, encourage them to respect your work periods.

Stay in touch

Feelings of disconnection and isolation can also be an issue when home working. A regular morning conference call with team members can alleviate this, as can video calls for smaller meetings. You could also consider using a team productivity app like Slack to keep everyone connected. These enable you to message colleagues, hold conference calls, and share screens and documents. If that’s a bit over the top for what you need, why not set up a WhatsApp group to keep in touch. However, most organisations don’t permit employees to install unapproved software or apps as this can compromise the security of work devices. Talk to your manager or IT team before you download and install anything.

Check your connection

Any work undertaken outside the office puts sensitive information at greater risk. If you work with personal data, the chance of a data breach also increases, which could result in a costly fine for the organisation. Make sure your home network is protected with a strong password for both wireless and admin access. All passwords should be at least eight characters long, and use a complex mix of letters, numbers and symbols. If your organisation provides a VPN (virtual private network), then always use it when connecting to your work network. And bear in mind that using personally owned computers and mobile devices is usually prohibited for undertaking work, but check with your manager.

Protect equipment

In a home environment, it can be tempting to treat your work laptop more like one you own, which can lead to compromised security that puts information at risk. You might also fall foul of malicious software such as ransomware, which locks your device or files, and demands a payment to unlock them. To prevent this, maintain a clear division between doing work activities on a work device, and personal activities on a personally owned device. As mentioned earlier, don’t install unapproved software or apps on your work devices, and continue to keep a close eye out for phishing emails. Cybercriminals are taking advantage of our heightened fears about health to get us to click on malicious website links and file attachments. If you do, contact your IT team immediately. You can find lots of advice on how to protect yourself at getsafeonline.org

Work securely

As much as you trust them, family members and friends are not permitted to know work information, or use your work laptop and mobile devices. Make sure they can’t see sensitive information on your screen or documents as you work on them, and use a headset or try to find an empty room if you need to discuss sensitive information on a call. Set a complex password on your laptop and mobile phone, and lock the screens whenever you leave them unattended. This prevents people seeing information they shouldn’t see, and also stops them being tempted to use your devices while you’re out of the room.

Minimise the risk of theft

If you need to leave the house, ideally lock away your laptop and any sensitive documents and portable storage media, or hide them out of sight. Disposing of sensitive printed documents can also be tricky, as waste and recycling bins can be targeted by information thieves looking for sensitive information that helps them to commit identity fraud. Use a cross-cut shredder if you have one, or store sensitive documents securely until you can use a confidential waste bin back at the office.

Manage expectations

Bear in mind that home working can be very different to working in an office, and you may not be able to do everything you tend to do, or as quickly as you tend to do it. You may need to manage people’s expectations about what you can achieve, and in what timeframe. This may include making customers aware of the situation as well. 

Get in touch

We hope you found this guide useful. If you wish to contact the team please contact Chris Cook on 01727 798017 or email him at Chris.Cook@salaw.com or Christine Caffrey on 01727 798021 or email her at Christine.Caffrey@salaw.com

Read our comments & guidance related to Covid-19
Stained glass window Employment SA Law
Views & Insights
Return to work: calling all commuters!

What to expect as we return to ‘regular’ life post-lockdown

Read More
SA Law Commercial Litigation Dispute Resolution pencils
Views & Insights
Mental capacity and COVID-19 vaccinations

What is mental capacity and how does it affect the coronavirus vaccination roll-out?

Read More
Divorce and family law red chair SA Law
Views & Insights
Lockdown is easing - what are the latest rules for families with children?

As the Coronavirus lockdown restrictions begin to ease in the UK our Family experts look at how the new government roadmap will effect families, parents…

Read More
Stained glass window Employment SA Law
Views & Insights
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) extended to 30th September 2021

The 2021 Budget has announced the extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to 30 September 2021 which is a welcome relief for employees and employers…

Read More
SA Law Property Litigation
Views & Insights
The Coronavirus Act 2020 and its ongoing impact on commercial tenants

Amy Sevier gives a New Year update on the Coronavirus Act 2020

Read More
Child holding hands with parent - SA Law's Dignified Divorcee
Views & Insights
The National Lockdown and Child Arrangements FAQ

Simran provides answers to FAQs about child arrangement difficulties which may arise because of the national lockdown.

Read More
Child holding hands with parent - SA Law's Dignified Divorcee
Views & Insights
Tier 4 – Can I still see my children?

Can parents continue to spend time with their children in the usual way at Christmas, if they do not live in the same household whilst in Tier 4?

Read More
SA Law Christmas tree
Views & Insights
Christmas Bubbles and the impact on children of separated parents

The unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic has had an impact on the everyday life of virtually every person in the world. Unfortunately England is no exception.…

Read More
Stained glass window Employment SA Law
Views & Insights
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Extended

CJRS extended from 31 October 2020 to 31 March 2021 as UK ushers in lockdown 2.0

Read More
Child holding hands with parent - SA Law's Dignified Divorcee
Views & Insights
FAQs: Child arrangements during Covid

Answers to key questions about child arrangements during Covid including contact being refused, children visiting parents in different tiers and more.…

Read More
Photo of a red arrow SA Law
Views & Insights
Guidance issued to assist businesses and consumers impacted by COVID-19

Covid cancellations, refunds and contract terms.

Read More
Stained glass window Employment SA Law
Views & Insights
Winter Economy Plan - What is the Job Support Scheme and how will it work?

Chris Cook examines the key points from Rishi Sunak's coronavirus winter economy plan.

Read More
SA Law Red arrow neon light image
Views & Insights
Data Protection and workplace coronavirus testing

Managing the data protection challenges of workplace coronavirus testing

Read More
Stained glass window Employment SA Law
Views & Insights
Guidance for enabling a safe “return to work”

A guide to returning to work safely for those who are unable to work from home.

Read More
SA Law Property Litigation
Views & Insights
Commercial Landlords in Retail & Leisure

Property Litigation Consultant Solicitor, Amy Sevier comments in Property Investor News about the impact of the Coronavirus Act 2020 on Commercial Landlords.

Read More
Red and yellow leaves, blue sky SA Law
Views & Insights
Video-witnessed wills to be made legal during coronavirus

By removing the need for physical witnesses, wills can continue to be drawn up efficiently, effectively and safely by those isolating or shielding.

Read More
Stained glass window Employment SA Law
Views & Insights
Covid-19 and home-working mental health for the insurance industry

Keely comments on mental health issues faced by home-workers in the insurance industry plus duty of care and handling HR issues remotely during covid-19.

Read More
Stained glass window Employment SA Law
Views & Insights
Updates to off-payroll working in the private sector

Following the delay to the introduction of off-payroll working in the private sector, the government are introducing some amendments to the original proposals,…

Read More
GDPR Numbers Image SA Law
Views & Insights
A new age: working from home and GDPR

What GDPR issues may arise from working from home and what you should do to reduce risk and stay compliant.

Read More
Photo of a red arrow SA Law
Views & Insights
COVID19 and the new outlook for insolvency legislation

A look at the temporary and permanent measures under the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill 2019-2021 that aims to reduce the Covid-19 pandemic’s…

Read More
Red and yellow leaves, blue sky SA Law
Views & Insights
The increase in probate disputes

Under what circumstances can families contest a will if they believe they should be entitled to some or more of an estate?

Read More
SA Law Commercial Litigation Dispute Resolution pencils
Views & Insights
Covid Law in Action

Insolvency: What lengths the government will go to protect businesses from the economic impact of the pandemic.

Read More
Stained glass window Employment SA Law
Views & Insights
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Key changes between July – October 2020

Chris Cook explores the key changes to the Covid-19 related furloughing that are set to impact employers and employees between July-October 2020.

Read More
SA Law Commercial Litigation Dispute Resolution pencils
Views & Insights
An update on the FCA’s intervention in disputes over business interruption insurance coverage

The FCA’s proposed court action for a declaration on the meaning of certain policy wordings to achieve clarity and certainty for SMEs and others involved…

Read More
SA Law Calculator Business Accounts & Finance
Views & Insights
"My Career Took a Backseat During Marriage – Can I Be Compensated?"

Compensation claim for relationship-generated disadvantage

Read More
Views & Insights
Promoting good mental wellbeing during lockdown

Mental Health Awareness Week: Kelly Pike highlights how to support staff.

Read More
Reluctant Divorcee image SA Law
Views & Insights
The Reopening of Schools during the pandemic and the impact of this on Child Arrangements

Simran Gupta talks about plans for certain school for pupils to return to school and the issues for families in the context of family law.

Read More
SA Law Commercial Litigation Dispute Resolution pencils
Views & Insights
What is responsible contractual behaviour?

Simon takes a look at what constitues as "Responsible contractual behaviour" in the performance and enforcement of contracts impacted by the COVID-19…

Read More
Photo of a red arrow SA Law
Views & Insights
Working creatively with supply chains and the business opportunities created by Covid-19

Vincent Billings shares how businesses are turning a negative into a positive during the coronavirus lockdown to keep their organisation going.

Read More
SA Law Commercial Litigation Dispute Resolution pencils
Views & Insights
Covid-19 and insurance disputes

As news of insurers rejecting claims continue to spread, Simon Walsh shares guidance about look at if you think you have insurance cover that should respond…

Read More
SA Law Commercial Litigation Dispute Resolution pencils
Views & Insights
Litigation during and after Covid-19: Do we need more breathing space?

Simon Walsh comments on the call for ‘breathing space’ in litigation and the effect of the pandemic on commercial contracts.

Read More
Divorce and family law red chair SA Law
Views & Insights
Matrimonial Finances and Covid-19 Legal Q&A

Marilyn Bell answers your most important Covid-19 related divorce and finances related questions.

Read More
SA LawFamily law image, suportive leagl advice
Views & Insights
Coronavirus divorce rate: Staying optimistic

Divorce rates soared in China post-quarantine and some sources are predicting a surge in UK-based enquiries – Kiran Beeharry adds a refreshing view to…

Read More
SA Law Commercial Litigation Dispute Resolution pencils
Views & Insights
Tips for Avoiding CCJs During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Litigator Simon Walsh shares tips for avoiding county court judgements during COVID-19 and a reminder on the time limits.

Read More
Stained glass window Employment SA Law
Views & Insights
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) Direction and Extended Deadline

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will be extended to 30 June 2020, plus The Treasury has also issued a Direction to HMRC which provides legally binding…

Read More
Stained glass window Employment SA Law
Views & Insights
COVID-19 Right to Work Checks Adjustment

Adjustments made to Right to Work Checks process for employers during COVID-19.

Read More
SA Law Property Litigation
Views & Insights
The Coronavirus Act 2020 – the impact on residential tenancy agreements

What protections does The Coronavirus Act 2020 offer to residential landlords and tenants?

Read More
Stained glass window Employment SA Law
Views & Insights
Updated Furlough Guidance provides clarification for employers

Over the weekend the government updated its guidance for employers on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) - Keely Rushmore reports.

Read More
Stained glass window Employment SA Law
Views & Insights
FAQs Furloughing Employees / Job Retention Scheme

Frequently asked questions on Furloughing Employees to help employers, line managers and employees – answered by SA Law’s employment team.

Read More
New Family Image
Views & Insights
How the coronavirus outbreak may affect arrangements for children whose parents are separated or divorced

Lexis Nexis asks Marilyn Bell about her thoughts on the impact of Coronavirus (Covid-19) on arrangements for children.

Read More
SA Law Red arrow neon light image
Views & Insights
Data protection and the coronavirus pandemic

Good news: The ICO provides clarity on common areas of data concerns during the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic.

Read More
SA LawFamily law image, suportive leagl advice
Coronavirus divorce rate: Staying optimistic

Divorce rates soared in China post-quarantine and some sources are predicting a surge in UK-based enquiries – Kiran Beeharry adds a refreshing view to…

Read More
SA Law Property Litigation
Views & Insights
March Quarter Day - To pay or not to pay?

With the March “quarter day” coming just days after the Covid-19 lockdown was announced, it isn’t surprising that many commercial landlords and tenants…

Read More
Stained glass window Employment SA Law
Views & Insights
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Employment Law Issues

Sick pay, home working and enforcing holiday – Chris Cook discusses the topics that are on HR Teams agendas right now.

Read More
SA Law Commercial Litigation Dispute Resolution pencils
Views & Insights
The impact of Coronavirus on commercial contracts and force majeure clauses

Can we rely on COVID-19 being a force majeure event, in order to avoid our contractual obligations?

Read More
New Family Image
Views & Insights
Covid-19 -v- Financial Arrangements in divorce

Family Partner Kiran explains what a “Barder Event” is, the likely impact of Covid-19 on maintenance and valuations.

Read More
Stained glass window Employment SA Law
Views & Insights
Everything you need to know about “Furloughed Employees”

Following the announcement of the Job Retention Scheme, organisations now have to designate affected employees as “furloughed employees”, What does this…

Read More
Divorce and family law red chair SA Law
Views & Insights
What you can do if you are the victim of domestic abuse during the Covid-19 pandemic

The clear advice of the government is to stay at home at this present time during the coronavirus pandemic, but what should you do if home is not a safe…

Read More
New Family Image
Views & Insights
What happens to shared childcare arrangements during the Covid-19 pandemic?

Head of Family Law Marilyn Bell answers important questions to help parents at this time.

Read More
Stained glass window Employment SA Law
Views & Insights
Delay to Off-payroll working changes (IR35)

Important Information: Delay to IR35

Read More
Stained glass window Employment SA Law
Views & Insights
Measures to help SMEs keep trading during Covid-19 outbreak

Read Keely Rushmore’s comments in the Financial Times

Read More
SA Law Commercial Litigation Dispute Resolution pencils
Views & Insights
Tips for renegotiating contract and payment terms

As the UK faces unprecedented uncertainly in the face of Coronavirus, one of the biggest priorities for organisations is cashflow. SA Law’s litigation…

Read More
SA Law Work Life red mug and glasses
Views & Insights
What employers need to know about novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Guidance for employers on how to plan, respond and reduce risk related to Coronavirus

Read More
SA Law Commercial Litigation Dispute Resolution pencils
Views & Insights
Alternative dispute resolution: Why should you mediate (and what happens if you don’t)?

Clare Mackay explains mediation in a commercial setting and how it can be employed to resolve disputes.

Read More
Join our mailing list

Want our latest views & insight along with exclusive event invitations and much more sent directly to you? Discover our Knowledge Share newsletter

Read More

© SA LAW 2024

Every care is taken in the preparation of our articles. However, no responsibility can be accepted to any person who acts on the basis of information contained in them alone. You are recommended to obtain specific advice in respect of individual cases.