What is Hybrid Working?

Hybrid working is used to describe a form of flexible working that allows employees to split their working week between the office and another venue, usually the employee’s home. Due to the COVID pandemic, many companies are adopting a future of ‘hybrid working’. It is important however that the right strategies are put in place to ensure that all employees are comfortable when working wherever they may be.

What are the legal implications?

Employers have a legal obligation under the Health and Safety Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Regulations 1992 to assess any risks that their employees may be exposed to when working. They are then required to reduce any risks identified to the lowest level reasonably practicable. Employees who are Hybrid Working will have at least two work places that should both be risk assessed by their employer.

6 top tips on how to get  Hybrid Working Ergonomics right

  1. Risk assessments

There is a legal obligation to conduct “suitable and sufficient” risk assessments when there is a change in the way someone works, the equipment or software they use or their health needs. Ideally all employees should be offered a DSE risk assessment of both their home and office workstations to allow employees to reduce any risks to a reasonable level. Employees should be encouraged to report any discomfort or health problems to ensure that they can be supported.

  1. Training and information

An effective way to reduce risk and ensure legal compliance is to provide training. Training should educate employees on how and why they should adjust their workstation equipment and highlight what to do if a problem is identified.

Risk assessment training may be provided using written information or via face to face or remote sessions.

  1. Adjustable workstations

If desk spaces need to be shared, furniture and equipment should be as adjustable as possible in order to accommodate the majority of users. Height adjustable desks and monitors are preferable as well as high-quality ergonomic seating.

Remember that employees must be able to separate the screen and keyboard when completing prolonged periods of work. Therefore they should be provided with a separate keyboard and mouse so that they can raise their laptop screen to an acceptable height.

Any employees with specialist needs will need to be accommodated appropriately to ensure that they are able to work comfortably.

  1. Manual Handling

If workers are expected to carry their equipment e.g. laptop, power cable, keyboard and mouse into the office each day, the manual handling risk should be assessed. Ideally storage should be provided to allow people to leave their equipment in the office in order to avoid any unnecessary manual handling.

Some people for example expectant mothers and those with back problems, may struggle to carry their equipment due to discomfort.  In these cases they should be provided with separate equipment that they can store in the office.

  1. Space

Some companies are downsizing and remodelling their office space. It is important to ensure however that there is still sufficient desk, storage, meeting and relaxation space. Soft seating areas are useful for informal collaboration and quiet spaces should be provided for those wanting to do more focussed work.

  1. Maintain a healthy work/life balance

Many employees have been working longer hours at home and may feel overloaded. Employees must be encouraged to set their working hours and find ways to divide home and work life. Mental Health support and training in the workplace is recommended to address these issues.