To ask FT home workers what their workplace provides

[TheObstinateHeadstrongGirl]

Starting a new WFH FT job next week. I’m being sent a laptop. But should they also be providing a desk and chair as well? I’m having to buy one myself. I’m pretty sure I’ll also be expected to use my personal phone rather than be given a work phone.

Laptop and headset only.

During lockdowns my old work allowed us to have work chairs and screens at home if we didn’t have them, but everything had to go back afterwards!

We used to have this but for some reason it stopped when we got taken over by a different company, internal calls are all by teams but clients would call me on my mobile (thankfully this is rare!).

I mostly use my phone for Teams messaging and checking emails out of hours or if I’m out on school run/at an appointment and for the MS Authenticator app to access our systems on the computer.

Don't worry about a phone. There'll be an online phone system for your work number. Laptop mouse and screens are standard, and you'll be expected to provide your own desk and chair.

I WFH about 50% and they gave me a laptop, screen and keyboard and mouse. We had a chair and desk so didn’t ask but they might if I had asked

All IT stuff - phone, laptop, docking station, screens, headset. I provide desk and chair but we also get £250 as “expenses” every year for WFH to spend as we see fit

We don’t have mobile phones because all the phone calls are directed through the laptops.

I had my own desk but everything else provided - chair, laptop, extra screen, Bluetooth headset, mobile phone.

Oh and wireless keyboard and mouse.

Laptop, screen, mouse, keyboard, shredder.
We can get loans for desk and chair unless we need a special chair, then they'd refer to OH and buy one.
We get any other equipment needed and can claim for ink/paper.

We don't need to print much but those who do get a printer too.

I absolutely would not be using my personal phone for work.

Not read the whole thread.

They are under a legal obligation to ensure your workspace is safe wherever it is. This includes providing the necessary equipment such as desks and chairs. They should be carrying out DSE assessments (or asking you to do one).

www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/

My employer provided desks to those who want one. we don’t work from home ft

Another thing to consider re: mobile phone is that if you are using a phone for work purposes and a subject access request is made that encompasses data that may be on that phone, you will be required to hand it over for checking. Your DP team would need to check texts, WhatsApp messages, VMs etc. Which is one reason why we (I’m in DP) don’t allow personal phones to be used for work because it creates a minefield!

I don't have anything other than my laptop and a headset. I bought my own screen, wireless mouse and use a dining chair because that is far more comfortable for me than an office chair. I never need to use a phone because we call each other on Teams.

Dh bought a screen, but had a chair, headset, keyboard, footrest and laptop stand sent by the office.

Oh I do have a work mobile as well, but don't really need it.

Just a laptop

I use my own printer & expense the cartridges

use my own furniture

They didn’t provide a mobile. I refuse to give my personal number out, so work people can contact me on Email / teams only. (my boss & HR have my number obviously for emergencies)

Some mobiles have option for 2nd sim you can use for work calls

Our office permanently closed during lockdown and we’re all on wfh contracts now.

we were given laptop, mobile, printer (paper & ink can be claimed back), anything else we need such as keyboard, mouse, footrest, screen etc. people were allowed to take chairs and desks from the office if they wanted.

we already had desk, chair, footrest etc at home so I didn’t order any of that. Truth be told I sit on the sofa every day with my laptop on a tray - I find it far comfier than sitting at the desk.

Desk, chair, screens, keyboard, mouse, laptop…the basics to do my job.

Everything except printer, desk and chair.

I'm annoyed that I now have to buy my own stationery. Used to love raiding the stationery cupboard - now I forget to expense it :(

I have worked from home for 15 years. I get a laptop every 4ish years and my work provides an internet phone so I can answer from the office number at home. I expense stationary and printer ink but this is rare, maybe £30 a year. They probably would pay for a new chair if I asked but am happy witb my 15 year old one. They do provide an ancient hient mobile but I rarely travel to use it these days.

This is what I did. My place will pay for everything on expenses as we all work remotely, but I didn't want any question of whose it was if I left, so I bought it all cheap on FB or got it for free, so if I do leave, all I have to return is my laptop.

Interesting to read replies and what is/isn't provided now post lockdown.

I started WFH in lockdown and received an allowance of £300 towards a desk and chair which I got to keep when I left the company.
My new job provided laptop, keyboard, mouse, second screen and headset. I bought my own keyboard and mouse because I wanted wireless.

OP you shouldn't have to use your personal phone for work. Can you make calls through MS Teams ?

We have an IP telephone system that comes with an app for your mobile, so I can use my mobile, but it looks like I'm calling from the office. Yours may have something similar too.

Laptop, 2 screens, headset, mouse, keyboard, chair and reimbursed me for desk. No phone as don't need as use teams internally and don't do external calls.

As a PP pointed out all employers have H&S obligations around DSE. So they tend to provide more than just a laptop. However some are inflexible on the stuff they provide so you are better off sourcing and buying your own kit.