Working from home: tips for employers

After around a year of working partially or even completely from home, many employees wish to return to the office soon and engage in a real exchange with their colleagues. However, it is becoming clear That a full return to the office is not essential, and many employees could imagine continuing to work at least part of the time from home. For employers this means that they will have to adapt to flexible, location-independent working models in future. A good time then, to think longer-term about insurance coverage when working from home and in a Flexoffice situation.

Make agreements

Employers who allow employees to work from home should check their company rules and adapt them if necessary. In addition, individual agreements should be made regarding the devices and equipment provided and the time spent working from home. Employees agree to set up a work area at home that allows undisturbed work and to ensure that they can be reached.

Social security

Working from home makes no difference in terms of social security for employees whose place of residence and place of work are in Switzerland. By contrast, cross-border commuters must take care not to work from home for more than 25% of their working hours. Otherwise they are subject to their home country's social security system.

Accident insurance

Anyone who works from home is insured against accidents in the rooms they use for work like they are in the company. If the employee works more than eight hours per week, accidents outside of these rooms are also covered by non-occupational accident insurance.

Loss or damage of mobile devices: Check your business insurance.

Theft or damage of work equipment, such as laptops or mobile phones, can happen very quickly despite taking every precaution. It is to be noted that private contents insurance or liability insurance will not pay out here because the devices do not belong to the employee. These devices normally fall under the employer's commercial insurance. However, this insurance often only applies at the company address. Together with insurance experts, the employer should therefore check whether its current insurance coverage also applies outside of its business address or whether additional insurance is sensible.

Data protection and cyber risks

Employers must take the necessary precautions to also ensure data protection and data security when employees work from home. In order to protect themselves from financial consequences or losses as a result of data manipulation or data loss, it is advisable to have cyber insurance. Employees can only be held accountable if they have demonstrably acted negligently.