Working from home

It has now been proven that many office based jobs can be carried out effectively at home. Home working should be allowed to continue indefinitely whilst the Corona virus pandemic continues to reduce transmission when commuting and sitting in open plan offices.
Once the pandemic ends, home working should become the ‘new normal’. This would reduce the need for as much travel which would reduce carbon emissions as well as allowing people more time to spend on the things that matter to them as well as saving money by not paying for travel.

Why the contribution is important

In the short term it will reduce transmission of Covid19 and in the longer term it will have environmental benefits and also improve people’s wellbeing.

by LM94645 on May 08, 2020 at 02:52PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.9
Based on: 43 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Maxwell2703 May 08, 2020 at 15:03

    Could not agree more, especially in such a geographically dispersed nation. Would allow greater access to jobs for a lot of people without the need for them to move to the big cities.

  • Posted by JBAKER May 08, 2020 at 15:04

    This idea has merit but there are issues for people who live in areas where the internet speeds are not great. Also some people don’t work well at home as you need to be very disciplined and focused in order to get work done. I know that there some employers who support this kind of work environment and some that don’t. There are definitely times when I have worked at home in the past as meant that I didn’t have to take off work for deliveries, maintenance etc and could help greatly when children are off school sick or if there are problems with childcare. Not that long ago there were problems getting to work because of the floods and working from home was a necessity.

  • Posted by wildone May 08, 2020 at 15:08

    For this to happen it may require government guidelines to encourage employers to embrace this change wherever possible rather than just expecting/ requiring employees to return to workplaces.

  • Posted by HighlandLass May 08, 2020 at 17:23

    Some thrive at home I am typically a home worker others do not. Agree with ongoing wfh for now while we progress through 2020 a review will be taken by businesses anyway as they shape their own business model. Guidelines from Scottish Governent would be to encourage business to support wfh for now

  • Posted by KW May 08, 2020 at 19:52

    Not everyone has the right space, and equipment, to work from home long term. Many of us are 'making do' just now. I would prefer a mix of home working a day or two a week, and in the office the rest.

  • Posted by MairiR May 08, 2020 at 20:14

    Not everyone has broadband access and this fundamental inequality will prevent those who wish to work from home doing so.

    Some areas are not included in the Scottish Govt broadband rollout and would be disadvantaged.

  • Posted by Scoupland May 08, 2020 at 20:16

    Our company and employees have thrived under home working. Teams technology, virtual meetings and flexibility has allowed us to deliver more with less stress. Individuals have a much better work life balance without the daily commute. The thought of driving to an office and back to do exactly the same thing you can do at home seems ridiculous now.

  • Posted by happyjolucky May 08, 2020 at 21:13

    I agree this should be an option to staff who CAN easily work from home. In the future I hope to see much better choice and flexibility for staff. However, office interactions and face-to-face can be very important too and can help with a multitude of mental well being issues. Balance and choice is key. Along with this, Scotland needs to prioritise superfast broadband for all areas so that these benefits can be experienced by people in every area, not just cities.

  • Posted by Dorothy May 08, 2020 at 23:29

    I think that working from does not suit all as it can be very isolating and doesn't encourage proper communication, comaradery and team work.I do not have this option as I work with the public in a service based job.The main worry is for the many businesses supported by office workers such as cafes, bakers, carry out lunch shops to name a few.our town centres are already in a poor state and excessive working from home will only increase this demise.Banks will close at an increasing rate as will shops.We are basically social animals and it is not healthy to eat work and sleep at home.

  • Posted by Ivy27 May 08, 2020 at 23:39

    Balanced home work and flexible working hours are the key. The type of employment, employees' home circumstances and the needs of the planet all need consideration. Current home work patterns provide a possible way forward for Scotland's ecological aspirations. Those of us sheilding are concerned that returning to old work patterns would endanger the lives of loved family members for the forseeable future. We are scared our actions could kill our relatives.
    Delivery of Care at Home services is strained. Assumptions that carers can cope alone resulting in those with degenerative terminal conditions relinquishing home calls. That makes it difficult to return to any workplace which must have effective systems for hygene in place in all circumstances. Fluctuating rural internet cannot cope with current demands. Workers and school pupils need support to purchase up to date equipment & get access to superfast broadband not currently available or affordable.

  • Posted by Stolley May 09, 2020 at 05:48

    Working from home is an option that businesses and employers can make good use of. It's how many businesses operate, and the drawbacks are well known. It mustn't become a way of offloading or outsourcing work onto vulnerable home workers.

  • Posted by JohnED May 11, 2020 at 21:52

    Though some will save from not traveling not all of those working from home will be saving money and some will be bearing a cost. Therefore, to enable this to be the new norm, some form of relief or one of payment should be made to those working from home to help cover additional costs in electricity, heating and broadband.
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