Hybrid working and employer’s duties – the new normal? The last two years have seen constant change in both the guidance to employers and the legally enforceable restrictions which have limited the attendance of employees at their usual place of work. By Lee Hills So much so that it has made it difficult to plan more than a few months ahead for a return to work. Although the recent lifting of restrictions will “hopefully” be the last, what will the future look like? For many businesses, it is quite likely that hybrid working arrangements for employees will become the new normal. Although many employers will have taken steps over the course of the pandemic to ensure the welfare and well-being of employees who have been working from
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home, as many of these arrangements are likely to become permanent, now is a good time for employers to be reminded of their duty to take reasonable care for the safety of their employees, whether working from home or not. And of the statutory duties which are particularly relevant to a home working environment. Employers are required by law to perform a suitable and sufficient analysis of their employees’ workstations – The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations and to assess health and safety risks.
