COVID-19 is changing the workplace in ways none of us expected at the outbreak of the pandemic.

 

Many individuals have worked from home at times, but the shift to a completely remote working life is startling, according to a survey by US procurement firm Procurify.

 

Telecommuting is an adjustment for 32 per cent of professionals who said they have never worked from home prior to the lockdown, but 69 per cent of respondents said their companies have not offered any additional perks to ease the transition of working from home. 

 

One of the biggest problems is having all of the necessary equipment, and only 53 per cent of respondents said their team has covered the cost of supplies, the survey found. 

 

Importantly, 41 per cent of respondents said they don't think they'll be reimbursed for expenses promptly while working from home.

 

When asked what supplies would be the most helpful in their home offices, the respondents cited the following items:

 

 

Procurify said the accepted view from a HR perspective was that office supplies that were permitted and expected at the office, should be as well when employees are forced to work remotely.

 

It has been suggested that employers should select a specific store along with a particular make and model of office supplies to make the process consistent and fair for all workers.