Business leaders spend their time choosing between various options and judging what will pose the least risks to their organisation. This is also true when looking at remote working. 

Key points have to be discussed when implementing a work from home strategy. 

Don't make assumptions. Analyze data!

Look at how working from home and hybrid working impacts your colleagues at different levels. What are the issues entry-level team members face, that those at director-level may not? 

Is flexible working successful? What outside influences impact on working patterns?

Data is the key to reveal gaps and make your organisation more inclusive. 

Go with your company culture.

You need to move away "This is how we've always done it" and towards "How should we do it". Speak to your team. Learn how they want to work. Listen to experienced staff and newer employees, as they will all have valid opinions that should be explored. 

Have realistic expectations.

From children to pets, to vulnerable friends or relatives, when people work from home have realistic expectations about interruptions and working patterns. 

Avoid having two types of employee

As we return to the office, it's tempting to have two types of employee:- in-office and at-home. Being seen in the office shouldn't give people better access to opportunities. The only way to get an organization to function as an effective system is to temper the individual drive for status through a culture of fairness and collaboration.

Focus on output

Don't look at who is in the office or on a video call from 9-530. Look at the output. Who is putting in the effort and producing the best work?