More and more French people are working from home; we then speak of telecommuting. Several reasons can justify it: personal choice, and professional obligations. But do not forget to consult the terms of your home insurance contract.
What is teleworking?
Do not confuse teleworking with professional activity at home.
You are in a teleworking situation when you work outside your company’s premises with company equipment.
Your contract or an addendum must be part of the teleworking system. Your employer can provide you with a charter in addition to the collective agreement that governs telework (article L1222-9 of the Labor Code)
Important: teleworking is a voluntary act and must be done in good conditions.
What are the conditions for teleworking?
Doing telework is done in a specific framework, that’s why your employer provides you with an elaborate charter that specifies:
- The conditions for switching to telework,
- The methods of acceptance by the employee of the conditions of implementation,
- The methods of controlling working time or regulating the workload,
- The determination of time slots.
Just because you’re working remotely doesn’t mean you’re no longer part of the company. Your employer must therefore continue to grant you leave, your benefits, training, etc.
The advantages of telecommuting
In this section, we will be taking a look at some advantages of telecommuting and brief info about each merit.
1. TIME FLEXIBILITY
In the vast majority of cases, working from home can offer great or even total working time flexibility.
So you can allocate your time in the way that suits you best.
2. RECONCILIATION OF PROFESSIONAL AND FAMILY LIFE
Teleworking also makes it possible to improve the adaptation of work to each person’s life.
In cases where the employee cannot work full time or has specific constraints, this is a godsend.
3. GEOGRAPHICAL FLEXIBILITY
In many of the jobs performed under this scheme, only a computer and an internet connection are necessary to be able to work. You can work from a number of locations and be flexible.
Also, everyone can adopt the working conditions that suit them best: some prefer to be quiet in a suitable room in their home, while others prefer co-working spaces with a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s up to you to decide where you can best do your job.
4. COST AND TRAVEL TIME SAVINGS
This factor is very important, especially for those who live in a big city or work away from home because it saves both travel costs and time spent on the road.
Which insurance(s) covers telework?
1. I AM AN EMPLOYEE:
Your employer must take out insurance to cover all the risks associated with teleworking: protection of professional property in the event of damage (theft, fire, etc.), protection of sensitive data, and your professional civil liability.
He has an obligation to provide you with the same rights as if you were working on company premises. He must also cover the costs related to the exercise of your work remotely, that is to say, the material aspect (computer, screen, etc.), software or essential subscriptions (telephone, internet, etc.).
In the case of use, at your home, of your personal property in the context of your professional activity, it may then be necessary to opt for specific cover for this property. Indeed, these are not covered by your employer.
Don’t forget to inform your insurer of the teleworking situation. He will then give you a certificate indicating that he is aware of this information.
2. I AM A SELF-EMPLOYED HOMEWORKER:
When launching your activity and if you work from home, you are obliged to ensure:
- Home: get confirmation from your insurer whether or not the activity is covered. If the answer is negative, take out specific insurance.
- Equipment: if it belongs to you privately, check that your home insurance policy covers this use. Regarding professional equipment (invoice in support), you must take out dedicated insurance.
For business activities involving goods, inventory or production, be sure to include them in your coverage.
Finally, before making the decision to work from home, find out from your landlord if you are a tenant or from your condominium association. They could then ask you to take out specific insurance.
3. I AM A SELF-EMPLOYED WORKER WHO WORKS ON A PREMISES
You must take out professional multi-risk insurance. Thus, it protects both the premises for the exercise of your activity but also all of your professional equipment.
Systematically included in this type of insurance, a professional civil liability guarantee covers your activity.
What is professional indemnity insurance?
Contrary to a civil guarantee subscribed within the framework of traditional home insurance, a professional civil liability guarantee protects you in the event of damage caused within the framework of the exercise of your activity.
You can take it out independently of your classic housing contract as an optional guarantee and thus cover your professional liability.
This can be used in the event of damage involving a third party such as a client. You will then receive compensation for the damage suffered.
It is therefore imperative to declare your status as a self-employed worker from your home or a separate location to your insurance company so that it can take the necessary steps to have you subscribe to professional civil liability cover.
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