BT has helped companies develop new charters outlining when and where personnel will or will not be available as well as new policies and procedures. Other areas which need to be considered are terms and conditions of employment. Health and Safety regulations also apply in the home environment. BT has developed a Risk Assessment check list which has been approved by Staff Associations, Unions and the HSE, which enables assessments to be carried by a line manager or colleague in the home. Similarly, template letters have been written for employees to send to their mortgage and insurance companies.
Advice regarding furniture for the homeworker is also available.
Energy consumption for the homeworker will inevitably increase and BT has established an agreement with Seeboard to help minimise any additional costs. All too often organisations try to 'reinvent the wheel' when introducing new systems. It is surely far better to understand and learn from other's experiences than trying to start with a 'blank sheet of paper'. Flexible working is not just homeworking - it's working in the most appropriate manner to maximise productivity for the organisation and the individual.