Home Office Safety & Security Week

January
15

In 2018, Statistics Canada reported less than 10% of Canadians had the option to work a day or two from home each week. Needless to say, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced sweeping changes across the world in this regard. Statistics Canada now reports that over 40% of Canada’s workers are now reporting for duty from a home office. (Source)

There are speculations that the corporate landscape is forever changed by the newfound conveniences presented by remote working environments. A survey conducted by ADP Canada revealed that 44% of respondents between the ages of 18 and 34 are confident that their employers will accommodate permanent flexible work options within the next 5 years.

Not only that, we are now seeing a significant increase in home-based business ventures. Many of those who have been laid off during these tumultuous times have turned the pandemic into an opportunity to start their own business, setting up online shops to sell goods and services from home. The e-commerce company Shopify’s revenue grew by 82% within the first 9 months of 2020 as they saw the number of merchants on their platform continue to rise. (Source) Click here to listen to a story about a woman in Ontario who has turned the pandemic hand she was dealt into something quite prosperous indeed.

All these things considered, it is likely safe to say that some of these pandemic-friendly working arrangements are here to stay. In light of this, it is important that your work-from-home (WFH) environment is efficient, and Home Office Safety and Security Week (January 11-15, 2021) is a perfect time to set up some safety and security goals. Have you come up with a formal fire escape plan? Does your workspace require childproofing? If you print a lot of documents, have you purchased a shredder to ensure private information isn’t stolen? Can your electrical system handle the demand of your new equipment? And is that equipment insured?