By Molebatsi Langa, Old Mutual Insure

The work-from-home (WFH) trend is making a significant comeback in South Africa. According to Pnet’s latest Job Market Trends Report, the share of remote and hybrid job listings has seen a slight but noticeable increase between March and September this year, with 3.6% of all advertised jobs now offering flexible arrangements. This shift is not just limited to the IT sector; growth is now prominent in admin, office & support, business & management, and finance roles.

As more South Africans embrace the convenience and flexibility of working from their private residences, it is crucial to ensure that your home - which has now become your office is adequately protected. This transformation of your personal space into a professional workspace introduces new insurance considerations that every remote worker must address.

"The shift to remote work is more than just a change of scenery; it's a fundamental change in risk profile," says Molebatsi Langa, head of strategic accounts at Old Mutual Insure.

"Your home is now also your place of business, and your insurance must reflect this dual purpose. We need to move away from the assumption that a standard policy will cover all the new risks associated with a dedicated home office," she adds.

Here are the essential insurance tips customers need to take note of when working from home:

1. Revisit your home contents insurance

The most immediate change when working from home is the introduction of business assets into your personal space. Your standard home contents policy is designed to cover personal items, but it may not automatically cover expensive work equipment like high-end laptops, multiple monitors, specialised printers, or servers.

Many standard policies have a low limit (often R5 000 to R10 000) for "business equipment" or "items used for professional purposes." If your employer-provided equipment is stolen or damaged, the loss may fall to the company. However, if you use your own high-value equipment for work, you must specifically list and insure these items under the "All Risks" or "Specified Items" section of your policy to ensure they are covered for their full replacement value, both inside and outside the home.

Langa adds, "this is where most people get caught out. That R5 000 limit on business equipment is often woefully inadequate for a modern home office setup. If you've invested in a high-spec PC or multiple screens, you must explicitly declare and insure those items, or you could face a significant out-of-pocket expense following a theft or fire."

2. Understand liability and visitor risk

When your home becomes a place of business, the risk of third-party liability increases. While this is less of a concern for roles like Data Analysts or Software Developers, it is a critical consideration for those who host clients, suppliers, or even couriers regularly.

If a business visitor, such as a client or a delivery person, slips and falls on your property, they could hold you personally liable for their injuries. Your standard homeowner’s liability cover may be sufficient, but it is essential to confirm with your insurer that your policy extends to cover liability arising from limited business use of your home.

3. Power surges/ load reduction

South Africa's challenging power grid, with frequent load reduction schedules that are not consistent and coherent and power outages that are unplanned in some parts of the country, these can pose a significant threat to sensitive electronic equipment. Given that roles like personal assistants, customer support agents, and accountants are increasingly moving to remote setups, the reliance on continuous power and functioning electronics is paramount.

Ensure your home contents policy includes comprehensive cover for damage caused by power surges. While a surge protector plug can mitigate the risk, the insurance policy is your ultimate safety net.

4. The value of flexibility and specialist cover

The Pnet data highlights that employers are using flexibility to attract and retain top talent. As a remote worker, you should use your insurance to secure this flexibility. If you frequently work from a coffee shop or a co-working space, your work equipment needs to be covered away from home.

“In this case for example, all-risks cover would be essential in this regard. This type of insurance is particularly important for portable work equipment, as it protects your items against loss or damage anywhere in the world. It is especially relevant for the 3.6% of South Africans now working in remote or hybrid roles, where equipment is frequently moved between locations,” Langa says.

The rise of remote work is a positive development for the South African job market. By proactively reviewing and adjusting your insurance coverage, you can ensure that your home office is a secure and productive environment, allowing you to focus on your professional success without the worry of unforeseen financial losses.

Langa concludes, “the key takeaway is to be proactive. Don't wait for a loss to discover a gap in your cover. A quick call to your broker to discuss your new working reality can save you significant financial stress down the line. Secure your sanctuary so you can focus on your success".

References - Pnet’s latest Job Market Trends Report, as cited in "Good news for people who want to work from home in South Africa" (BusinessTech, 25 October 2025). [https://businesstech.co.za/news/business/840772/good-news-for-people-who-want-to-work-from-home-in-south-africa/]