Working from Home and the Lesser Thought of Challenges
Nearly a year into the challenges brought on from the COVID-19 pandemic, most firms have successfully transitioned to a working from home model, for part of, if not all the working week.
WFH, as it has become universally known as, has existed in some form or other for many employees prior to the pandemic but this has accelerated in the last twelve months, with many staff working under circumstances that are completely new to them.
This move which started as a ‘quick fix’ is now seen as a long-term viable option for employers and employees who have seen a different way of working, resulting in increases in productivity and a better work / life balance for many.
As the initial transition occurred, the first key thought for many employers was the technology required and how to allow the access needed, so at base level the job carried out at home mirrored the workplace. This has been hugely successful, with people adjusting and making use of the developments in technology such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom etc
Investment in hardware and IT solutions have solved the most important obstacles, the laptops have been bought, 365 licenses activated, phones upgraded and the key work is done. So what other hurdles do we need to clear, to ensure the most productive and comfortable working environment for the WFH workforce?
Employers for years have constantly invested in the office space, making sure that anything their employee needs is there. In the rush to get everyone back home, these extras were some of the things left behind and people have ‘made do’ with what they had. If this move is to be long term, it makes sense for everyone to have everything they need to do their job.
Stationery and Office supplies fell low on the list for people to address, it was deemed inessential, but do any of these scenarios seem familiar?
- Taking a call at home, needing to jot down some notes and reaching for the nearest pencil from home schooling and making a scribble on the back of that day’s post
- The computer always seemed at the perfect height in the office, now at the dining table, it does not sit quite right and at the end of each day the back ache has forced you to delicately balance your laptop on an old catalogue or phone book
- Sitting on a pop-up picnic table in the corner of the room because the kitchen is at full capacity and you need quiet for your 3pm Teams call
These seem familiar to us, because they are the types of calls and emails our Account Managers get each day from our customers. During 2020 we launched our new webstore Your Office Supplies Company – KBS Group allowing customers to log on and place their orders from home as well as the workplace.
We have added extra measures as well to help in any way that we can such as Home Delivery- the office does not need to be your drop off point, we can deliver to your employee’s home to save on the unnecessary trip to the office.
Approval and Authorisation set ups. Procurement managers and Accounts would be fearful of letting everyone order as and when they need, without them first approving it. We can set these parameters so that when an order is placed, it first goes to the relevant contact in your organisation to approve before anything is sent.
We understand these are challenging times and we will do anything we can to help you company thrive during them. Sometimes helping with the little things can make a big difference to your team.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch
We understand these are challenging times and we will do anything we can to help you company thrive during them. Sometimes helping with the little things can make a big difference to your team.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch
If you would like to find out more about how I can help your business, you can contact me at gerard.gibney@kbsgroup.co.uk.
Gerard Gibney, Account Manager – KBS Group – Business Development Manager