Employees Right When It Comes to Hardware, Software, and Data When Working from Home
The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the labour market and affected the productivity of many companies. The government issued travel restrictions and workplaces safety protocols to reduce death and spread of infections. As a result, many companies directed their employees to work from home to ensure the continuity of business operation while observing the Covid-19 measures. Although companies have taken steps to monitor employee’s activities to ensure they remain productive at home, the debate on infringement of employee privacy continues to take shape. Here are some of the employees rights when it comes to hardware, software, and data when working remotely.
Right to Fair Compensation
Working from home saves employees commuting and lunch expenses that they would incur while working from their office. Although most companies face financial hurdles from depressed economic activities, the employees should be fairly compensated for the hours worked. The business should provide employees with a laptop, working table, chair and internet connection. The items will facilitate a comfortable working environment for employees to remain productive and healthy. Failure of the company to provide creates an avenue for the employees can purchase items and claim with the company for a refund.
Access to IT Support
Employees work in sales, logistics, human resources. Such employees are skilled in their line of duties, but some lack adequate skills in informational technology to undertake activities such as installation of software and repair arising from wear and tear. The business should provide sufficient training to employees and offer IT support services, including repairing damaged IT infrastructure used for business.
Right to Employees Privacy from Employer Monitoring
Most businesses want to monitor what their employees are doing, which can infringe on employee privacy. Companies may provide varying privacy requirements when they enter into a contract with employees. Some businesses could stipulate that employees should use a laptop and corporate network for business purposes. The companies should specify the level of employee monitoring in their contracts to ensure they know what the business requires when they want to engage in personal business activities.
Protection of Company Data
Companies are providing employees with a virtual private network to enhance company data protection from cyber threats. Businesses have conducted employees training on company resources to eliminate any data theft, and employees will be held responsible if evidence points to their negligence. Additionally, the companies have developed a framework for reporting data breach incidences and measures to help the IT team contain the theft. The team should also conduct incidences analysis, and businesses will take responsibility if a weak system were the cause of a data breach.
Working from home not only does it have pros, but it also has cons for both employees and management. Employees benefit from a reduction in travelling expenses, flexible working hours, and work-life balance. The business can benefit from the reduced cost of office administration and higher employees productivity. However, remote work has caused debate of employee rights. The employees have the above right when it comes to hardware, software, and data.
