Thanks to the internet, more people than ever are starting home businesses. In fact, there are now 38 million home businesses in the U.S. alone. That’s a substantial amount, and this is a fantastic way to start something new.
But, working from home isn’t without problems. It may be the dream, but it’s also a relatively new concept. As such, there are still technicalities to work through. One such issue is employment. If your business has grown well, you may struggle to keep up with the workload. But, even at this stage, a physical workspace might be out of the question. So, you have no choice but to invite employees to work in your home.
For some people, working in a home environment is the dream. Much better than heading to the office. As such, there are people out there who would love a job like this. But, there are a few things to consider before you can make this work. And, we’re going to look at them here.
Let everyone know what they’re in for
Bear in mind that not everyone will be comfortable working in a home office. It is, after all, a unique situation. Some employees will feel uncomfortable. Which is why it’s essential you’re honest from the off. If you choose to advertise on sites like hiring.careerbuilder.com, make sure to state the situation clearly. You don’t want people turning up for the interview and getting a shock. It’s hardly the best way to start your working relationships! Plus, being honest ensures you only meet applicants who are keen to work the way you’re offering.
Legal stuff still counts
Despite the fact that your business is home-based, you still have a legal responsibility to employees. That goes without saying when it comes to things like holiday entitlement and breaks. But, you also need to think about health and safety and even insurance. Any business operating with employees is required to pay for an insurance policy like those found at trustedchoice.com. This ensures you’re providing everything you should. It also gives your employees a layer of protection. Think, too, about how your home office complies with health and safety regulations. That includes providing fire exits, and a safe working environment.
Set clear boundaries
Once you have a staff member or two in place, it’s essential to set clear boundaries. This setup will never work otherwise. This means dedicating areas in your house for business only. To ensure everyone’s comfort, you should assign a toilet, office space, and even a break area to the cause. Employees will find it difficult to feel comfortable if they’re sharing a bathroom with your two-year-old. You want to keep business separate from your home life as much as possible. In an ideal world, the two won’t cross over at all. You could ensure that by installing a separate entrance into the business area of the house. This is sure to keep your employees motivated, as it brings an air of professionalism to proceedings.
Be the first to comment