Implementing a temporary working from home policy in response to Covid-19 is important because it will ensure employees are aware of how they will be expected to continue carrying out their duties from home.
Implementing a permanent working from home policy shows your employees you are willing to be flexible and your business takes into consideration individual circumstances and the specific needs of employees eg childcare. Having a home working policy in place also promotes a good work-life balance.
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 employers have the same health and safety responsibilities for employees when they are working from home, therefore it is important to set this out in a working from home policy and identify how you will manage health and safety both during Covid-19 and when implementing a permanent working from home policy.
You should ask employees to assess any risks they might face when working from home and then identify how you can help them manage these risks.