Thanks to the pesky COVID-19 crisis our lives have changed dramatically and there are likely more changes coming over the next few years. Whilst working from home isn’t going to work for everyone it will certainly work for some. No doubt there are many spare bedrooms around the county which have been transformed a makeshift office.
It’s not an issue for me because that is what I’ve done for year, but for my wife it is a big change.
Her daily routine used to be;
- Wake up at 5AM,
- Drink a cup of coffee,
- Take a shower,
- Dress for success,
- Apply makeup,
- Get in car and drive to work
Remember when Donald Trump, the world biggest idiot, said the China Virus is a democratic hoax? Well, as usual the moron wrong. It’s very real and very serious. Sadly though it brought out the crazy’s around the world.
One of the preventative measures, to keep the virus at bay whilst everyone figured out how to deal with it, was work from home where possible. It wont work for everyone, but it does work well for others.
My wife was able to work from home and for her it didn’t equate to days of slacking off. Her routine is exactly the same minus the drive to work part. She still gets out of bed early, takes a shower & dresses for success. Diligently applies makeup before walking into our home office / dinning room ready for a hard day at work.
The location changed but the workload is as it was before the virus dragged our economy to it’s knees. Meetings with her USA, Canadian and European subordinates continue followed by further meetings with company directors. Day to day operations haven’t changed with the exception of manufacturing shifts and ensuring those unable to work from home are appropriately socially distant from each other and taking every precaution.
Truth be told, Australia cannot return to normal for a few years, in my opinion. Even when the virus within Australian borders has eased up on its onslaught. So get used to it folks, this is our new life for a long time.
Increased expenses for employees
When you physically leave the house and go to work there are a few things you may not consider. For example, employers provide a workplace for you to attend. This might include air conditioning, kitchen, hot & cold running water, toilets, toilet paper and other things I’ve probably forgotten about such as telephones, computers & internet.
By working from home you may be consuming up to 10 hours or more, per day, of extra electricity, using your own internet, running air conditioning on hot days & heating when it’s cold.
Your electricity bill will rise, your water bill will increase and the additional general wear & tear on your home will eventually cost you money. Will fuel savings from not driving to work adequately cover your extra expenses?
Insurance might become an issue too. Will your insurer pay up when working from home. There might be a clause in your contract excluding business activities. Who covers workers compensation? If you slip on a spill and break your neck during working hours at home whose insurance covers you? Yours or your employers. Can your employer be reasonably expected to be responsible for what happens in your own home? At the workplace they may have specific guidelines regarding safety which may not apply whilst in your own home. How does your employer police work-safe issues when you aren’t at work? These are questions which I’m sure will crop up in our court system eventually.
The Tax Man
The Morrison Government have done a reasonable job so far in my opinion. I should point out that I am now, and always will be, a supporter of the Australian Labor Party, but I believe credit where credit is due regardless of which side you’re on. Unlike those poor suckers in the USA whose leader, Donald Trump, has screwed up everything he touches. We seem to be in good hands for now.
I do believe extra expenses incurred at home will be deductible when it comes to tax time, but that doesn’t change the fact we still need to cough up extra cash to pay regular bills. We may receive a bill in March and get no tax benefit until August or later. That puts additional strain on families if you ask me.
My estimate has been that our electricity bill will be about 25% more. We don’t use our air conditioning during the evening, but are more likely too during the day now my wife is home. Lights, additional water, air conditioning / heating etc. all contribute to the daily cost of living.
Just a few thoughts!