Employers are legally required to supply their workers with everything needed to do their jobs. This extends to remote employees, and that’s where things get a little complicated. It’s easy to get all the right tools when everyone works in an office. It’s not so easy when your team isn’t local and you can’t just drop by to deliver a desk. Now that 20% of people work remotely, the challenges of equipping remote workers are becoming apparent.
On the surface, it might seem easy – get them a chair, a desk, a computer, and call it a day. However, employees need more than a simple desk setup to be effective.
Here’s how employers can support their remote workers with the right supplies.
1. Cover simple, yet uncommon needs
First things first. Ask each employee individually what they need. Each person will have a completely different workspace setup, and some employees will have needs that others do not share. For example, an employer might need to pay for satellite internet for an employee that requires burying an Ethernet cable for a short length. Buried cables might get chewed through if not protected. In this case, you’ll need to protect the cable with a sheath.
There are plenty of options on the market, but some materials are superior. For example, Vectran is five times stronger than steel and is used to make braided cable sleeving for outdoor use. A Vectran braided sleeve will prevent animals from chewing through the cable, whether or not it gets buried.
Another unique need to consider is an employee’s personal preference when it comes to ergonomic furniture and supplies. Some people don’t consider certain ergonomic items to be comfortable. For instance, some people love gel wrist pads, while others find them uncomfortable. Some people like using a vertical mouse, while others struggle. If you’re going to purchase items for your team, make sure they align with their personal preferences.
2. Give employees choices for a computer
Whether you provide a laptop or desktop computer, give employees some choices. The first choice should be the operating system. They should be able to choose Apple or Windows. Despite arguments about which OS is better, people develop a strong preference for a particular operating system based on a lifetime of use. Forcing someone to use an OS they aren’t familiar with or don’t like will lead to lost productivity and frustration.
From there, give your employees the choice of having a desktop or laptop computer. Both can be purchased for around the same price, depending on the specs. Since Macs tend to be more expensive, you can save a few hundred dollars by purchasing a refurbished computer.
3. Provide high-quality peripherals
Peripherals, like keyboards, mice, and headsets, make working easier. Like desktop users, laptop users benefit from peripherals, so don’t skip anyone. The right peripherals can improve comfort and productivity and reduce the risk of repetitive motion injuries. Additionally, a high-quality noise-canceling headset will eliminate feedback when an employee joins team meetings or needs to connect with a coworker.
4. Provide stipends
Offering your team stipends will help them buy the supplies that fit their personal preferences and workspaces. Stipends give employees the flexibility to make their own choices, which leads to greater comfort and efficiency.
You can provide employees with a set amount to cover specific supplies, like a desk and chair, or you can offer a stipend each month for miscellaneous needs, like paper, pens, and staples.
5. Supply flash drives
Flash drives are exceptionally useful for remote employees. For instance, a worker might normally use a desktop computer, but switch to a laptop when working from a local coffee shop. Making this switch requires transferring files to their laptop, and a USB flash drive makes that easy.
6. Conduct a virtual audit
Since employers are responsible for ensuring remote employees have a safe working environment, conduct a virtual audit of their workspace to see how you can help make it better. It helps to have an outside eye look at a space to assess what can be improved. You might see a potential that your employee doesn’t recognize.
7. Check in regularly
It’s important to check in regularly with your employees to see how they’re doing and make sure their workspace setup is functional. For instance, someone might have an unstable internet connection that makes it hard to participate in video meetings. If you don’t ask, they may not mention the issue.
Success begins with the right equipment
Supporting remote employees with quality tools is a worthwhile investment. It will help them stay productive and efficient, increase job satisfaction, and contribute to the overall success of your company.