When making an employee handbook outline, it is essential for you to include the employee work rules in the content of the document.Having a clear list of the policies and regulations that you would like to fully implement can help your employees align their behavior and performance with the goals, expectations and objectives of the company. "We need to be holding people accountable. Andrew Monkhouse, an employment lawyer in Toronto, works with small- and medium-sized businesses and often represents employees in disputes. Employer rules for working from home during coronavirus. Declaration of emergency in effect. Twitter said Tuesday it will allow its employees to keep working from home indefinitely, and Waterloo, Ont.-based OpenText Corp., the largest software company in Canada, said it was permanently closing half of its offices and would have some staff continue to work from home after the lockdown lifts. "Unionized workers have more control over the privacy aspects of their workplaces," he said. Employers must assess the workplace to determine what they need to do to protect the health and safety of their workers. The company said it's unable to release sales figures or identify customers, citing non-disclosure agreements. "Because the employer is allowed to say, 'We're going to let you go.' "We're very proud of how our teams have adjusted," said Tanya Mushynski, vice-president of customer care for the Ontario division of Enbridge Gas. But, with the nature of coronavirus, there are a few extra things to keep in mind. Restez chez vous sauf pour les déplacements essentiels et respectez les restrictions et les mesures de santé publique. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. Stay in touch as much as possible. Pour avoir une meilleure expérience, vous devez : You are using an outdated browser that is no longer supported by Ontario.ca. Employers are asked to consider having workers work remotely (e.g., work at home) where practicable, as part of efforts to slow the progression of COVID-19 (coronavirus) through social distancing. Austin, Texas-based ActivTrak says the company has seen a spike in customer inquiries. "In terms of the contact centre employees, we have a number of metrics that we track on the work they do, the number of calls they handle, etc.," said Mushynski. At the roundtable, the CRA announced that it was extending its administrative position to employer reimbursements for home office equipment purchased by employees. Accéder aux paramètres de votre navigateur. "The kids thing is really hard," he said. Demand remains high from new customers all over the world, Nevogt said. "On the one hand, it feels spooky and creepy that we're being monitored, but oddly enough, it may be liberating," he said. Learn about the browsers we support. Work from home is a growing trend in today’s work environment, in which employees can easily plug-in from just anywhere they are. "If the employee says no, however, what happens then?" Companies pay between $7 and $10 US per month for each employee on the system. A dedicated workspace should have furnishings appropriate to the nature of the work. Okay, so you can treat the situation as a normal remote working situation. It is a priority for CBC to create a website that is accessible to all Canadians including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. Set regular working hours. Eligibility. Post signs asking ill clients or customers to stay away from the workplace. They’ll be happier. Some employers, however, say that their experience during the COVID-19 crisis has shown that working from home can be a great success — even without a monitoring service such as Hubstaff or Teramind. If you value flexibility, this might mean setting a total number of hours (i.e., employees are expected to work a total of 8 hours per day). He says there are no Canadian laws against an employer instituting such a system, as long as employees are fully informed about how the system works. And in Indianapolis, Hubstaff co-founder Dave Nevogt said his company's website has had 7,000 visitors from Canada since the start of March, according to Google Analytics — a 15 per cent increase from before the pandemic. Bosses can use a "dashboard" that shows data about individual workers, including their screen time, the activity of their computer mouse, shots of what's on an employee's screen at any given time, and in some cases, even their physical location via GPS. Nevogt said 550 Canadian firms have signed up for a free trial in that time, and 79 have already purchased Hubstaff software. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Without a wrist rest, mouse or correctly adjusted work station, they are even more at risk of carpal tunn… Increase communication to staff and your customers about COVID-19 and measures you are taking for prevention. Stay at home except for essential travel and follow the restrictions and public health measures. Identify a workplace coordinator who will be responsible for … "We used to measure their performance by results — the number of meetings booked — but now, potential customers aren't responding the way they used to, and we have to measure against the time the team is putting in, even if it's not producing a result.". Audience Relations, CBC P.O. To support this practice, WorkSafeBC would like to share the following guidance on employer and worker responsibilities for ensuring their workspace is healthy and safe. Making working from home arrangements Deciding on working from home arrangements. If you thought your new arrangement was a licence to slack off, think again. "So, we can very easily say they are as productive as they have been previously. Add some “good” to your morning and evening. A spokesperson said there's been a 35 per cent increase in demand for information and product demos from Canada since the pandemic began but wouldn't cite specific sales figures. He sees the work-from-home trend exploding in the years ahead. She hosts Dragons' Den on CBC Television and is part of the business news team at CBC News Network. But not everyone is a fan of pandemic productivity. Home office facilities must be adequate. Heads up, Canadians working from home. Permitting or requiring employees to work from home (“WFH”) where possible can reduce health and safety risks associated with the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace, enable employees who are self-isolating or in quarantine to productively contribute to the business and enable greater flexibility for employees who need to care for family members in connection with the spread of COVID-19. With more people working from home, the question of deducting home expenses often arises. Employers are required to develop a COVID-19 Safety Plan that outlines the policies, guidelines, and procedures they have put in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Focus on performance and results. Updated: 12 Jan 2021, 02:26 PM IST Tapati Ghose, Poornima G. … Ontario.ca needs JavaScript to function properly and provide you with a fast, stable experience. Under New York's convenience of the employer rule, the employer is required to withhold New York state income tax from all wages paid to the employee if (1) the employee spent at least one day in the year in New York and (2) the reason the employee is working from home outside of the state is for the employee's own convenience. The current rules require anyone claiming the deduction to get their employer to fill out a form — T2200 — certifying that working from home is a condition of employment. "I think the world has become aware that when you work from home, you can be productive, and the workforce is going to want that," he said. Heads up, Canadians working from home. This plan follows the six steps outlined below. The ability to satisfy and retain your staff can, over time, reduce recruiting and training expenses and add further to your bottom line. En savoir plus sur les navigateurs que nous supportons. "The non-unionized workplace has less control, because generally, the employer is able to institute policies that they think are appropriate, and employees have limited ability to refuse reasonable practices.". Under the Health and Safety at Work Act employers still have an obligation to ensure staff are working safely and in ways that does not jeopardise their health – even from home – but both the employer and employee have responsibilities, says Deb Tweedy, head of employment and HR law at Gordon Brown Law Firm. The Canada Revenue Agency has restrictions and guidelines on what is allowed to be deducted, starting with determining whether you are an employee or if you are self-employed. By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. This means that employers must conduct risk assessments of all the work activities carried out by employees, including those working from home. Child care is needed, along with a separate room for working. Everyone's work-from-home schedule looks different. Heads up, Canadians who are working from home. 1. Review the five minute online e-learning guide, Preventing Strain Injuries at Your Computer Workstati… As an employer, you probably supply your in-office workers with high-quality ergonomic furniture and supplies. Be clear on employee priorities, focusing on the expectations, … "That has disappeared in just two months.". Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted. Revenue Accelerator of Vancouver is a company that uses Hubstaff's services. If you thought your new arrangement was a licence to slack off, or make a little less effort — think again. Employers should assess the workplace in consultation with the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative. "I don't know that we've seen a need for it," said Mushynski. What employers should do . Remote work expenses traditionally have not been reimbursable under California law because telecommuting and remote work opportunities are not mandated by the employer, as many companies have optional work-from-home programs that are at the employees' convenience, and such employees continue to have the option to work in their employer's office and use company equipment and … An expectations gap is opening between bosses and staff over the future of remote work as major companies say only 40 per cent of employees will be able to operate from home in future. "It's typically those customers that bill by the hour, and they need the justification of how many hours are actually being worked, so how many hours spent on Client A versus Client B, for invoicing," he said. "If you're managing projects and you're used to managing somebody by looking over their shoulder and that person is right there, and then all of the sudden they're not, how do you get that control in place?". Then that person would need to be paid compensation, which could be as low as three months salary.". The company's chief operating officer, Jackson Fregeau, says Revenue Accelerator signed with Hubstaff close to a year ago but has found it to be even more valuable during the pandemic. Refusing to let employees work from home at … Fregeau said the software provides an alternate way to measure productivity. "Productivity is good.". Even longtime proponents of work-from-home arrangements say current conditions are far from ideal. It also clarified that the $500 reimbursement amount is the maximum for each employee, rather than for each piece of computer or office equipment that an employee may purchase. Vulnerable people include: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 50 years and older with one or more chronic medical conditions Outdated browsers lack safety features that keep your information secure, and they can also be slow. Déclaration de situation d’urgence en vigueur. One of his four children burst into the room where he was on a conference call, shouting their nickname for him, Doodoo. "In a normal month, we might have 5,000 trials starting; now, we're around 15,000," he said. If you thought your new arrangement was a licence to slack off, think again. You must have a suitable, ergonomically adjustable chair that allows for neutral postures. First, companies need to determine what positions are eligible to work remotely, and state … restrictions et les mesures de santé publique. She was making the call from her bathroom.". You can make the payment of €3.20 per workday tax free when: there is a formal agreement between you and your employee that the employee is required to work from home your employee is required to perform essential duties of the employment at home your employee is required to work for substantial periods at home. Its team of 25 employees helps other companies, mostly in the technology field, find and develop sales leads. "I had a call recently with one of my co-workers, and I could see her toothbrush in the background in the corner. Without proper ergonomics, remote employees are at risk of developing health problems over time. "The stigma of working at home — sometimes called shirking from home — will be gone, post-COVID," he said. 2. "Some people would prefer to be monitored than face a layoff," he said. Photo: iStock Work from home: FM Sitharaman needs to relook at income tax rules 3 min read. Lawyer Andrew Monkhouse says there could be tough choices ahead, though, at workplaces that do opt for increased observation of work habits. Check your insurance policy, Telework wherever and whenever possible, federal public servants told, CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices. Establish policies to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace and make sure these are communicated and understood by employees: 1. Vous utilisez un navigateur désuet qui n’est plus accepté par Ontario.ca. While maintenance, emergency response and construction teams continue to work in the field, those with desk jobs in billing, regulatory affairs, engineering and other departments have shifted to their homes. Deductions for Employees The CRA allows you to deduct certain home expenses for A laptop alone is not enough; have a separate keyboard or monitor connected to the laptop to arrange for proper monitor height and keyboard position. The Eight Rules to Follow for Working at Home Cover the Essentials. This deduction is claimed on your personal income tax return. Box 500 Station A Toronto, ON Canada, M5W 1E6. And the decision to work at home should be a choice. Bloom has had his own mishaps, as well. Unfortunately, if you are working from home as a W-2 employee ― that is, your wages are paid through payroll and your employer withholds taxes ― there’s not much you can claim on your tax return, according to Christina Taylor, head of operations at Credit Karma Tax. Your Work From Home Policy should clearly state when employees are expected to work, and when they should call it a day. Les navigateurs désuets ne disposent pas de caractéristiques sécuritaires permettant d’assurer la sécurité de vos renseignements. The boom in people doing their jobs off site during the COVID-19 lockdown has led to rising interest in services that help employers remotely monitor their workers' productivity. The new rules are supposed to protect employees from losing their jobs if they are unable to work due to the pandemic, said Heath. Deliver what you promise when recruiting new employees or contractors. There might be a need for ongoing changes to working arrangements during the... Pay and terms and conditions. Dianne Buckner has reported on entrepreneurs for two decades. In assessing whether you should be working from home, your employer must take into account that vulnerable people are, or are likely to be, at higher risk of serious illness if they contract COVID-19. A variety of newsletters you'll love, delivered straight to you. Of the company's 3,600 employees in Ontario, close to 2,400 are working from home. Everyone seems to be talking about work-life balance these days, and there’s no … Even Stanford's Bloom says he sees an upside to monitoring services for some employees. As an employee, you may be able to claim certain home office expenses (work-space-in-the-home expenses, office supplies, and certain phone expenses). "And the owner is more likely to say I can save costs on my office building with fewer employees there.". 3. To have a better experience, you need to: Le site Ontario.ca exige JavaScript pour fonctionner comme il faut, avec rapidité et stabilité. But longer term, with proper conditions, he sees the trend rising. Use the risk-informed decision-making guidelines for workplaces/businessesduring the COVID-19 pandemic. Comfort While business casual has become the norm in many industries, people are still not encouraged to go to work in their pajamas. Deductions reduce the amount of income you pay tax on, so they reduce your overall income tax liability. By allowing such employees to work from home, you let them continue their career and you continue to benefit from their expertise. Bank of Montreal has announced it intends to allow 30 to 80 per cent of its 45,000 staff members to consider a blend of work from home and time in the office once the lockdown ends. Dave Nevogt of Hubstaff says most of his clients are business owners with between 10 and 100 employees, and they're not always focused on snooping. You should: Pay your staff as you normally do. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, more of us have been getting used to working from home. A number of factors are important for optimum performance at home, says Nicholas Bloom, a professor at Stanford University in California whose research has shown productivity can improve when workers aren't in the office. Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. Comments are welcome while open. But what about employees working from home? "We're breaking all the rules with COVID," he said, working from a bedroom in his California home. We reserve the right to close comments at any time. Kitchen tables and coffee tables are not options. We need to know what people are working on. He says trying to work with young children around is a "productivity disaster." "We had half of our company working remotely before this, and since COVID, now everybody is remote," he said. Maintain Healthy Business Operations. Coronavirus work-from-home policies give climate plans a boost, Working from home? However, one of the perks of working from home is that, as long as the work gets done, many employers don’t care when you do it. 2. An employer is responsible for an employee’s health, safety and welfare so far as is reasonably practicable. "If you want to be home and your boss is quite skeptical that you're goofing off, you may want to show that you're doing well.". The boom in people doing their jobs off site during the COVID-19 lockdown has led to rising interest in services that help employers remotely monitor their workers' productivity. Monkhouse said. 4. En savoir plus sur les navigateurs que nous supportons. Working from home You may be able to claim tax relief for additional household costs if you have to work at home on a regular basis, either for all or part of the week. Home office expenses for employees. Implement Work-From-Home Rules. A work from home policy is nothing but an agreement between the employer and the employees who prefer to have the work from home privileges. ", Would Enbridge consider more closely monitoring employees? Where possible, workers should work from home. Miami-based Teramind said "customer interest" globally is three times normal levels but didn't have Canadian figures available. Employers must involve frontline workers, joint health and safety committees, and supervisors in identifying protocols for their workplace. Post signs encouraging good respiratory hygiene, hand … For example, hand, wrist and arm problems are common in office workers. Factors to Consider When Making Employee Work Rules. Here are 7 simple rules for companies who engage work-at-home employees or contractors: 1. And I think it helps people stay more focused as well.". But there's also no law requiring employees to agree to having their work monitored at home. ActivTrak, Teramind, Hubstaff and Time Doctor are some of the U.S.-based companies that provide employee monitoring software.

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