Work From Home Checklist for Employers And Employees

Working from home is becoming more of the norm for both employers and employees alike.

And according to Forbes, ”As of 2023, 12.7% of full-time employees work from home, while 28.2% work a hybrid model.”

It’s why both company and employee need to be prepared in order to have the best working relationship possible.

In order for both sides to be successful,  it’s good to ensure everyone has what they need for success. Which is why I put together this work from home checklist for employers and employees alike.

Let’s dive right in!

Work From Home Checklist for Employers

As an employer that allows your team to work from home (WFH), your company will want to ensure they have a few things prepared ahead.

Maybe your company only hires remotely or maybe you are in a hybrid working model. Either way, use these checklist items to ensure you have what you need to make working from home a win for everyone.

Work From Home Policy

A good work from home policy will make it very clear to everyone what is okay or is not. And how your company works. For example, remote work and work from home are similar, but also different.

Typically working remotely it allows employees to work anywhere in the world. But if you have location restrictions, then that needs to be very clearly to employees. This is something that a policy ahead of time will cover.

However, your policy is much more than defining what it means to work from home. It includes all areas of the business that important for employees to understand about their work from home arrangement.

This policy can include areas like communications, safety, requesting time off, when and where employees can work, managing equipment they’ll receive, etc.

Work From Home Handbook

Once you have all the important policies and guidelines together, your company needs to make this accessible for any employee and future hire to read.

This provides a consistent place that anyone working from home can reference as needed throughout their career with your organization. Plus, it can include additional helpful tips and reminders for everyone at the organization.

I put together some remote work handbook examples that are topnotch for inspiration. My favorites so far have been from GitLab and Remote.

While your handbook can be custom and unique to your company, it should touch on things like values, mission, cultural, benefits and perks, time off policies, and so much more.

Work From Home Security Measures

Since employees are not working in the office, this can leave them vulnerable to security issues that impact your company. And this is especially important if your company deals with plenty of customer data.

The last thing you want is a hacker getting access to your company via an employee that is working remotely.

Include this topic in the policies and handbook mentioned above. But also, what procedures, education, and tools can you provide employees that work from home to help them be secure?

Think tools like VPNs, password managers, malware protection, security procedure guidelines and tips, two-factor authentication enabled, company computer restrictions set up by IT, online safety guides, etc.

Work From Home Equipment and Tools

Your work from home checklist will also need to include tools and equipment you’ll be providing employees. The simple things that come to mind are computers, phones, tech accessories, and maybe even a work from home stipend.

Next, what software tools are needed to run your business and for employees working from home to have access to? These can include platforms specific to their job role, but also company-wide tools to be able to communicate and get work done. 

There are many different tools out there, but some examples include Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Suite, Trello, Asana, Zoom, Salesforce, and many others. Think about what this all entails to help onboard work from home employees faster.

Expectations and Support

Many stereotypes and misconceptions about working from home are STILL floating around. Even after years of data and positive impact. Yet, it's often leaders afraid of change or tied to their commercial real estate costs.

Anywho, your company must provide expectations and on-going support about working from home.  

By expectations, I mean setting the tone from day one as to what your organization expects when anyone is working from home. Basically, your company is ensuring everyone knows what they are accountable for as an employee. 

These can include performance metrics and reviews, setting contributor goals, providing work updates, setting up office hours, responding to messages, taking time off, and more. 

And lastly, continue to provide support. You may have employees who are new to working virtually, so be there for them to answer questions and provide guidance as needed. 

Even provide regular check-ins to not only help them succeed, but encourage them to speak up and share challenges or concerns. That support will go a long way in overall work from home happiness and progress.

Work From Home Checklist for Employees

For many office workers, getting to work from home sounds like a dream come true. But if you don’t prepare ahead, you can find yourself unmotivated, lazy, and distracted. Thus, impacting your work. 

While employers need to set you up for success too, there are a few things you should do to make the experience solid for you. Here’s my quick work from home checklist for employees. 

Preparing Your Workspace

If working from home is new to you, then this section is a good place to start. When you combine work and your home, you want to set up a place that removes distractions.

This can be a separate room, your basement, or in a space that separates you from where you sleep and eat.

I’ve often been asked if your home office can be in your bedroom. If you have no other option then yes it can be okay, but I recommend it be outside of that space. 

Of course pending where you live, your actual space for a "home office" might be limited too. In my previous apartment, I used the excess space between the kitchen and living room. 

But you can also separate your office area with room dividing partitions like these, to help it feel more like your own office and separate from other areas of where you live. 

Work From Home Security and Safety

There is actually quite a bit to keep in mind here. In fact, it might surprise you at how many things can add up in security and safety of your work from home checklist. 

Most of it your employer will (and should) cover, but here's a few things to add to your checklist:

Security:

• Strong passwords for your work computer, phone, internet, etc.
• Be smart about settings on your computer, like when it locks out after a few minutes of inactive use. Your company may have recommendations here or pre-set things. 
• Don’t leave work passwords or sensitive company data laying around. Even if it’s just you and everyone in your home is trusted. 
• Flag odd emails, texts, or links. Never click or respond to them, instead delete and let your company know if you are noticing a lot of spam coming to you.

Safety:

• Check plugs and outlets. Make sure your electrical connections and cords aren’t a bundled mess or loose. Avoiding fire hazards is always a good thing.
• Keep your area tidy and clean, and reduce clutter. Also related to fire hazards, but ensuring you don't injure yourself either.
• Get the right desk, computer chair, and computer accessories that ensure your comfort. Physical health can take a toll sitting all day, so make sure everything is ergonomically friendly and suits you. Again, your company may provide a stipend for you or reimburse you for these costs. Make sure to ask if you are unsure.

Fast and Reliable Internet

This one is pretty obvious, but if you want to work from home successfully, having fast and reliable internet is a must. 

If your internet provider does not have an app that shows you download and upload speeds, you can just run a free speed test right from your computer. 

Some employers may require you to have a certain speed range in order to work from home. This may force you to upgrade your current internet and can cost more money.

However, often internet providers offer discounts if you ask. Also, check with your employer as they may cover some or all your internet costs. Many remote-first organizations have this as a perk. Which is pretty sweet. 

Establish Your Work From Home Boundaries

I tend to include this often in any tips about working from home or remotely. It’s very easy to work or find it's tempting to check in on work stuff throughout the day and night. 

Sometimes the lines between working hours and your personal life are blurred. It can be one downside to working from home and a sneaky thing that creeps up and you end up burning out. 

To avoid that, you need to set your work from home boundaries on day one of your job. 

This means make it clear about the hours you’ll be working and responding, keep work apps off your personal phone to remove temptations, or utilize "do not disturb" mode at minimum o your work devices. 

Also your work boundaries need to extend to those in your household. Your spouse, kids, or roommates all need to respect your working hours and not be distractions. 

Have these discussions, close doors, add signs, set up basic rules, etc. Whatever you need to do as you might be set up in your own home, but you still have hours to dedicate to your job. 

Start to Buildout Your Daily Routine

There are some people who like to work random hours throughout the day. If you work for yourself or work for a very relaxed remote-first organization, that might be okay to do. 

Personally, I enjoy a bit of structure in my day when working from home. And many companies that let you work from home will want you available during standard business hours. But an active routine can be really healthy for your workflows and productivity.

Of course, you can switch up the scenery of where you work from time to time or what you have for lunch. You know, things like that. But sticking to a consistent work schedule, lunch, and breaks throughout the day can help you find that consistent groove. 

Lastly, not every co-worker will follow a similar routine, which is okay. Some might be in different timezones, work better at night, or have kids to look after and have slight adjustments in their work schedule. 

Schedule Frequent Breaks

Sometimes routine and the same workspace all the time can become dull. And maybe even impact your motivation when it comes to the workday. It’s why you need to schedule frequent breaks throughout your day to balance it all out.

These can be as simple as moving to a different room for a bit to work. Maybe taking a quick walk around the neighborhood. At the bare minimum, just getting up to stretch and move around a few times will do you good. 

You’ll often find your energy and creative thinking improve. Plus, it’s great for your mental and physical being. 

Set recurring schedule breaks for yourself where you get away from sitting at your desk.

Sometimes a virtual meeting or work emergency pops up at a time where you’d take a break, which is okay. But don’t fall back into the slump where you barely move out of your chair for 8+ hours a day. 

Final Thoughts

And there you have it. A quick work from home checklist for employers and employees.

If you are new to working from home, use this guide to set you on the right path. Or if you already are familiar with working from home, use this list as a gentle reminder. 

By having healthy guidelines and routines in place, work from home will continue to be a productive experience for employers and employees alike.