LIFE here is slowly but surely returning to normal following the huge upheaval from the Covid lockdowns and restrictions.
The issue of working from home is back in the spotlight after Cabinet Office minister Jacob Rees-Mogg wrote to his colleagues to urge them to send a clear message to the civil service about returning to the office to ensure government buildings are back to full capacity.
In Northern Ireland a conversation is taking place on future working models and whether remote working is here to stay or if a full return to the office is needed - or indeed if a hybrid combination of both could be the answer.
In a recent study by the Chartered Institute of Management, more than 80 per cent of firms have moved to a hybrid working model.
As the cost of living continues to soar, it is becoming more evident that hybrid working models are becoming more attractive to employees.
Ulster University’s recent report on The Future of Remote Working in Northern Ireland reveals that most jobs here remain workplace-based.
But it says the pandemic has opened the debate around the number of jobs that could be done remotely, either in part or all and indicates that between 41 per cent and 60 per cent of current jobs in Northern Ireland could, in the future, be completed remotely (at least in part).
The report added that this demonstrates the scale of change that may come in time as discussions about new working arrangements take place here.
Last year Ulster University conducted an online employee survey of 1,600 people. Its findings show support for continued remote working, particularly in those occupations where it can be more facilitated such as managerial, professional and administrative roles. The results suggested greatest support for a return to the office was for two to four days per week.
Workplaces across Northern Ireland may look very different in the future with it looking increasingly likely that the hybrid model is here to stay.
For employers and employees this may have a knock-on impact on business and home insurance.
Employees should consider that most home insurance policies don’t automatically cover home working and this is something needing addressed. Working with your broker to audit your policies will be a good starting point to ensure you have the correct cover in place.
Employers may wish to extend their business insurance and public liability to cover employees’ homes, especially if the person working from home is expected to see customers or clients in their home.
The audit with your broker should also uncover if equipment such as office furniture and computer equipment is covered when used away from the workplace.
One of the major areas of concern for hybrid working models is IT security. Since the beginning of the pandemic there has been a surge in the number of online scams and hacking attempts.
We know businesses are under pressure at the minute, but cyber insurance should be a key consideration for companies of all sizes.
:: Katherine Medwell is commercial account executive at AbbeyAutoline (www.abbeyautoline.co.uk)
