1. WEEKLY INSIGHT
Puppy Fence Injury Case Raises Important Home Office Safety Considerations
A recent tribunal ruling in South Australia found that a woman who tripped over a puppy fence while working from home is entitled to workers’ compensation. The woman was working remotely to care for a colleague’s puppy when she was injured during a coffee break. The tribunal determined that her injuries “arose out of her employment,” citing the Return-to-Work Act 2014 (SA), which covers work-related injuries.
The ruling raises questions about employer responsibility for worker safety in remote settings. Employers need to implement robust work-from-home policies to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees. A practical working-from-home checklist is an effective tool for identifying common hazards in a remote work environment. Employees should follow safety guidelines and cooperate with employer policies to effectively mitigate these risks. Fostering a culture of shared responsibility is crucial.
2. HR/IR & LEADERSHIP
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has addressed concerns regarding the company’s new return-to-office policy, which requires employees to be in the office five days a week starting January 2, 2025. This policy has sparked speculation that it may act as a “backdoor layoff,” forcing employees unwilling or unable to comply out of the company. He clarified during an all-hands meeting that this mandate is intended to reinforce Amazon’s culture, not to cut costs or lay off workers. Since 2022, Amazon has already laid off over 27,000 employees.
Despite the company’s rationale, reports indicate that many employees are dissatisfied with the return-to-office requirement, with some contemplating resignations. A recent protest arose after comments from Amazon Web Services head Matt Garman suggested employees who dislike the new policy could explore job opportunities elsewhere.
This announcement and the ensuing discontent highlight ongoing tensions as Amazon navigates its workplace policies in a post-pandemic environment, balancing operational needs with employee preferences. Overall, the situation emphasises the challenges companies face in adapting to new work arrangements while maintaining employee morale and organisational culture.
Here are some other companies who have ordered return to the office mandates:
- Microsoft’s return to office strategy states that employees can work from home up to 50% of the time without manager approval.
- EY expects its employees to build workplace where people work together in person between 40% and 60% of the time.
- Google’s employees started to return to their offices as early as September 2021, at least 3 days a week.
- Uber’s employees return to office mandates started on November 1st, 2022.
3. MARVINHR
Elevate your workplace safety with a smart Work-From-Home Policy. Did you know that over 74% of companies around the globe are adopting hybrid work models? By crafting an effective policy, you can safeguard against Workers’ Compensation claims while boosting your bottom line.
Companies embracing remote work can reap significant savings—up to $11,000 per employee each year, as estimated by Global Workplace Analytics. These savings primarily stem from reduced office space needs and lower overhead costs. But don’t wait for claims to catch you off guard; proactive planning is your best defence. Reach out to us at marvinHR today and let’s build a policy that protects both your workforce and your finances! Ella Barwood | marvinHR | HR Consultant | ella@marvinhr.com
