Whether you offer full-time or part-time work-from-home options, you can help your employees make their home-based office more successful. Many employees start their home office by carving out a corner of their residence with an extra desk and folding chair. A dedicated workspace can make an individual more productive. Take some time to evaluate your budget and offer to assist staff members in making their home office more of a professional workspace. Here are some ways you can help your staff.

Provide Technology

Make sure everyone has the technology necessary to complete their tasks. Transitioning to Voice over Internet Protocol helps employees alternate between working in the office and remotely. Staff placed calls on VoIP systems using the computer or customized phones connected to the internet. Your customer will not see a difference between a VoIP caller such as offered by Ooma and a landline caller.. Staff should also have access to:

• Reliable internet service
• Wireless, noise-canceling headphones
• Printer
• Surge protector
• Postage scale and meter

Deliver Supplies

If your staff works full-time from their home office, have office supplies, such as their desk, chair, and file cabinet, delivered to their home. Alternatively, provide a budget for employees to purchase necessary items. Take inventory of all items moved to the home office, and develop a recovery policy if employees leave your organization.

Give Comfort

Employees need an ergonomically designed space. Double monitors give workers a larger screen area, especially if connected to a laptop. Monitor stands encourage proper neck alignment making a long day staring at a computer screen more comfortable. Portable laptop desks allow staff to work on their laptop from anywhere – a great solution for traveling staff. Don’t forget blue light glasses that protect their vision.

Caffeinate Them

If your office is known for providing high-quality coffee, continue the tradition by having coffee, tea, or water delivered. It may be as simple as gift cards to a local coffee house or a quality coffeemaker with ground coffee.

Encourage Balance

Work-life balance is necessary for employees that work from home. Employees that maintain a positive work-life balance are more productive, engaged, and motivated. Some ways you can monitor and encourage this balance include:

• Help employees coordinate their work schedule around childcare.
• Acknowledge that some individuals prefer working in an office.
• Distribute workload evenly among team members.
• Encourage employees to use paid time off.
• Talk with each individual about any other needs they have.

With preparation, you can help transition employees to work from home. Building a culture that encourages this structure is the core of being successful.