FLEXIBLE WORKING,REMOTE WORKING + WORKING FROM HOME

GUIDE

paxus.com.au

Across Australia and New Zealand

Paxus prides itself in empowering contractors with best practice work knowledge and advice, to do the best

work they can do.

This guide delves into the modern day workforce which focuses on the growing norm of a healthy work-life balance through working from home, remote working

and flexible working arrangements.

Enclosed you will find:

WORKSTATION SET-UP

PRODUCTIVE WORK TIPS

WORKDAY STRUCTURING TIPS

WORKING OFF-SITE SELF ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST

For further information, please get in touch with your Contractor Care Consultant.

Do something TODAY that your future self with thank you for.

1. Start with feet flat on the floor, or on a foot rest.

2. Adjust chair height to a comfortable position that keeps feet on the floor (or on a foot rest) and thighs relaxed while parallel to floor.

3. Adjust chair tilt tension so the user can recline primarily through shifting weight rather than by pushing off with their feet. If their heels rise significantly off the floor when reclining, the user is pushing too hard off their feet and the tension should be lightened. If the user prefers not to recline the tension can be kept tight.

4. Adjust the angle of the backrest to allow as much recline as feels comfortable. Up to 120° is recommended.

5. Adjust the height of the backrest to support the lumbar curve.

6. Adjust keyboard height to elbow height or lower. Adjust the angle so the wrists are in a neutral (straight) position and the elbows are angled close to 90°.

7. Place the mouse where it can be used without reaching.

8. Place the monitor around 51cm from the eyes. The top of the monitor should be at eye level, while the bottom of the screen should fall in the range of approximately 15 - 30° below eye level.

9. Adjust the monitor angle to face the users’ eyes.

10. Check for monitor glare and correct it by changing or shielding the light source, or rearranging the workstation. Do not reduce glare by compromising the monitor height, angle or location.

11. Adjust the work surface height so the arms and shoulders are not raised significantly when writing or reading. Work surface height is more important than keyboard height for people who spend little time keying.

12. Place any documents used during work at about the same distance from the eyes as the monitor, and perpendicular to the line of sight. If possible, position documents on the same plane as the monitor by using a document holder either side of the monitor.

13. Position frequently used items within easy reach.

14. Remember to vary your posture regularly and alternate keyboard work with other duties.

WORKSTATION SET-UP

The following details what materials you need and what basic adjustments should be made to set up an effective off-site workstation.

Required Items- Laptop - Keyboard - Mouse - Adjustable chair - Table

Optional Items- Wrist rest (mouse pad / keyboard) - Monitor stand - Foot rest - Stationery

PRODUCTIVE WORK TIPS

Off-site working comes with a plethora of benefits from saving money and time, to psychologically making you happier. Alongside the benefits there can be challenges, making it a bit less productive than desired. Below we outline ten tips to make your off-site work the most productive it can be.

1. Wake up at the same time as though you were getting ready to start your daily commute to work. Use the extra time to get settled into the day, and to get rid of any personal tasks that you may sneakily try to tackle during work hours.

2. Get some good fuel. Remember, what you eat has a direct effect on how productive you are throughout the day. Expert dietitians recommend foods low in glycemic carbohydrates (such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains) for optimal performance.

3. Create a list of tasks for the day and allocate reasonable and achievable amounts of time to complete each activity. Use your discretion to set a prioritising system to know what activities to tackle first. In addition to your daily task lists, make a habit of keeping track of your upcoming activities in the weeks and months ahead. Getting into the habit of using a planner will help track deadlines, appointments, meetings and can also help ensure you keep a healthy, work-life balance.

4. With an unlimited amount of inexpensive and free communication technologies there is no excuse to not check in with colleagues and management throughout the day. Communication is the key to staying on track and up-to-date with business agendas, so don’t make the telecommute seem like you’re hidden from the workplace.

5. Invest in a comfortable permanent workspace. Having a go-to location that is dedicated to work can give you a clear mindset that is ready to focus on the tasks at hand. Decorate it with items that spark enthusiasm and also be sure to have all tools in an organised mess to avoid wasting time.

6. While it is tempting to mix up the work-day, scheduling non-work appointments the same way you would in the office is best for productivity. To minimise disruptions to your work, make your personal appointments either first thing in the morning, in your lunch hour, or at the very end of the day.

7. Get some exercise in. Whether it’s a morning walk or a lunch time HIIT class, getting those endorphins flowing will hit you with a mental boost and will also help keep your body in a healthy and happy state!

8. Stay out of the kitchen mid-task. It’s tempting to take a ‘think walk’ around the house and make a pit stop at the fridge when it’s right there, but not only does that mean you’re constantly snacking, it also means you will be procrastinating and losing your train of thought when your focus should be on trying to the task done.

9. Listen to music. Studies have shown that listening to music while working can boost productivity. If you’re not sure what is best try; classical for abstract reasoning, video game soundtracks for focus, nature for concentration or relaxation, high-power for confidence, feel good for endorphins and white noise to keep you calm and block out distractions.

10. Use a rewards system! As you tick things off your list, give yourself mini rewards to keep your motivation on a high. Rewards could be things like making a coffee, going for a stroll, a healthy snack, watching a YouTube video, or going on an exciting outing on your lunch break.

WORKDAY STRUCTURING TIPS

When it comes to the average workday, most of us simply try to power through from start to end with a break in the middle for lunch. Whilst it is the go-to method, there are many more techniques for you to try, and harness, to be the most productive you can be.

While all these techniques can help you successfully manage your workload, some are more effective than others. Be sure to assess your to-do list and surroundings to see which technique would work best for you in your current situation, and remember - a mix of all could work best for you too!

THE ULTRADIAN PERFORMANCE RHYTHMThe Ultradian Technique is all about working with your body’s natural rhythm to optimise performance. Researchers have studied high performers for years including athletes, musicians, chess players and writers, and in every area findings have been the same: those at the top tend to practice in intense 60-90 minute sessions with recovery breaks to avoid slump periods. Find your biological prime times and take advantage of them by producing your best work, then be sure to identify the times you need to recharge and do just that – stop and recharge.

THE POMODORO TECHNIQUENamed after the infamous tomato kitchen timer, the Pomodoro Technique involves setting yourself a task, working solidly for 25 minutes without interruption (until the pomodoro rings) and then taking a quick rewarding break. Following the break, you will complete 3 more pomodoros and then take a longer break. This timer involved technique can create a sense of urgency during the pomodoros which can motivate you to work harder and faster, to then reap the benefits of the break periods.

THE BATCHING TECHNIQUEThe Batching Technique refers to grouping similar tasks together to do them all at once, instead of scattering them throughout the day. For example instead of routinely checking your inbox or phone as texts and emails come in, or making similar small changes to pieces of work you have already sent off for review, set aside batches of time to tackle related tasks together. Blocking out times for comparable tasks allows you to power through them without interruption, therefore making you more efficient with time. Once completing a ‘batch’ take a break and then move on to either the next batch, or a larger project you’re working on.

THE 52:17 TECHNIQUESimilar to the Pomodoro technique, the 52:17 technique is about breaking up your day but now into 52 minute work bursts with a rewarding 17 minute break. Depending on your work, the 52:17 may be more effective than the pomodoro technique as you have more time to produce effective results with a good enough break to do something substantial like go for a walk, grab some food or do some personal admin.

90MIN

90MIN

52MIN

52MIN

ACTIV

ITYAC

TIVITY

ADMIN

EMAILS

CHANGES

CODING

WORK BREAK

HEALTH, WELLBEING + SAFETY SELF-ASSESSMENTFLEXIBLE WORKING, REMOTE WORKING + WORKING FROM HOME

This checklist is to be used for workers who are working from an off-site location to ensure minimum standards are achieved under Occupational Health and Safety legislation.

Please ensure the two following pages are completed in full and signed to minimise the risk of illness or injury whilst performing work.

CONTRACTOR DETAILS

Name:

Company + Manager Name:

Account Manager:

Provision of Duties:

Off-site Street Address:

Suburb: State:

Country: Postcode:

Off-site Office Phone: Fax:

E-mail Address:

OFF-SITE WORK ARRANGEMENT DETAILS

Number of hours per week at off-site location:

DECLARATION & AUTHORISATIONSI have completed this checklist using the document Workstation Set-up as a guide. This completed checklist is true and correct, with the understanding that an independent ergonomic assessment may occur if necessary.

Signature: Date:

Print Name:

1. WORKSTATION YES NODo you have a separate, designated office space to undertake computer work?

Is the workstation adequate for the tasks to be performed?

Is the work surface a single continuous surface?

2. CHAIRDo you have a fully adjustable ergonomic chair with a suitable backrest?

3. COMPUTER, SCREEN, KEYBOARDIs a separate mouse and keyboard or docking station provided if required?

Are the screen, keyboard and mouse appropriately adjusted?

Is there adequate space to use the keyboard in front of the screen?

4. MOUSEIs the mouse on the same height surface as the keyboard?

5. OTHER EQUIPMENTIs all the required office equipment (such as scanners, printers, etc.) available?

Is a telephone headset available if required?

Is there adequate storage space?

6. ENVIRONMENTDoes the designated office space have appropriate light to give even illumination and reduce glare?Can glare be controlled by window coverings?

Is the room temperature comfortable – heating and cooling as required? Are all exit routes from your designated office space to a safe outdoors location free of obstruction?

7. OTHER CONSIDERATIONSIs the floor space free from tripping hazards?

Are there sufficient power outlets to run the computer and other equipment?

Have all electrical leads, power boards etc been inspected and in good condition?

Is there a functioning and maintained smoke detector in the house?

Is there a first aid kit available? Have you notified your home insurance company (if working from home) of the agreement?Are you aware of your responsibility to report any accidents or serious incidents to your supervisor / Paxus Account Manager?

8. OHS ISSUES OR HAZARDSAre there any OHS issues or hazards that you are aware of that may affect your ability to work safely from home? If YES, please list below:

HEALTH, WELLBEING + SAFETY SELF-ASSESSMENTFLEXIBLE WORKING, REMOTE WORKING + WORKING FROM HOME

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