Notes #1

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Teleworking: Employees do not have to travel distances to be at work. They can work from home. Most workers use computers and use mobile communications to do work at home.

Advantages: Office running costs and overheads (rates, electricity, heating etc) can be reduced, which in turn may reduce the need for office space.

Travel-related problems may be reduced, ie staff being unable to get into work due to rail/road delays.

It may tempt better staff to come and work for the company.

Work in a comfortable environment - their home

No commute and no travel costs

Work around their family's needs

Disadvantages:

Employers need to be able to trust their staff and be prepared to have less direct control over them.

less human interaction - fewer opportunities to meet people, share ideas with etc.

more difficult to work as part of a team, especially if they're all office based

greater temptation to spend time on non-work-related activities

difficult to separate personal life from work

Health and Safety Work Act 1974

The law states that an employer must:

provide tiltable screens

provide anti-glare screen filters

provide adjustable chairs

provide foot supports

make sure lighting is suitable

make sure workstations are not cramped

plan work at a computer so that there are frequent breaks

pay for appropriate eye and eyesight tests by an optician

Note: These regulations do not apply to students in schools or colleges.

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