Should Employers Pay for Home-Office Expenses?

Nearly three-quarters of remote workers say their employer should provide a work-from-home stipend to help workers improve their workspace ergonomics, results of a recent survey show.

HR Platform Namely recently conducted research on working from home trends amid the pandemic and found that many employers and employees were not necessarily prepared for this shift.

Notably, when asked if workplaces should provide a general work-from-home stipend, a resounding 72 per cent said yes. Amounts ranged from $50-200 USD on average or even a one-time payment of s $1,000 to set up the home office.

Others commented that whatever operating costs the employer would otherwise spend per employee in the office should be reimbursed; geolocation-based remuneration was suggested, such as $400 per month for more expensive cities.

Forty-seven per cent of respondents said their monitors, laptops, and even desks were currently being subsidised, but 42 per cent received no subsidies.

Wi-Fi topped the list of expenses that should be paid by employers – with 41 per cent of respondents in agreement. Eleven per cent said ergonomic support was imperative since kitchens, dining rooms, and bedrooms were suddenly makeshift “offices.”

Namely’s Chief People Officer, Amy Roy, said that whether out of anxiety or necessity, more employees were now “clamouring to remain remote.”

“They’re balancing their kids, their pets, and their full-time jobs while trying to maintain optimal productivity. One thing is for sure, the employers who empathetically helped their employees weather these challenging times have earned loyalty in ways not previously generated.”

“Asking employees to return to the physical workplace after COVID-19 requires careful planning and consideration. By communicating safety measures, staggered shifts, and scheduled disinfecting procedures, employees’ fears can be reduced.”

“That said, maintaining a hybrid workforce where some employees continue to work from home helps employers achieve business objectives while ensuring employee engagement.”