Remote work has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more companies embracing the flexibility and cost-effectiveness that it offers. However, with the recent outbreak of Covid-19, remote work has become ubiquitous and it has become even more important to have a well-structured and comprehensive remote work policy in place. This ensures the success of remote work arrangements, reduces the risk of work-related issues, and streamlines the overall productivity of the company. In this blog post, we’ll outline the key elements to consider when creating a remote work policy for your business.
Define Remote Work
The first step in creating a remote work policy is to define what it is. Define who can work remotely, when they can work remotely, and the types of work that can be done remotely. Be clear about how employees will access company resources and what equipment (if any) will be provided.
It is important to also set expectations regarding communication and availability, as this can help address any misunderstandings or conflicts that may arise. You may also want to consider setting criteria employees must meet in order to be eligible for remote work, such as seniority or job function.
Establish guidelines for working hours
One of the most significant benefits of remote work is flexible working hours. However, this can also lead to some confusion about expectations and availability. Establishing clear guidelines for working hours can help prevent confusion and ensure productivity.
While your business may not require traditional 9-5 hours, it’s important to establish guidelines that work for both the company and the employees. This may include specific working hours that employees must adhere to or a set number of hours they must work each day or week.
It’s important to also consider time zones and ensure everyone is on the same page regarding when employees are expected to be available.
Set Expectations for Communication
Another common challenge for remote work is communication. It’s important to set expectations for how employees will communicate with each other and with management. This may include expectations for how frequently employees should check in with supervisors or co-workers, what communication channels should be used (email, chat, video conferencing, etc.), and guidelines for communication outside of regular working hours.
Establishing clear communication guidelines can help prevent any confusion, ensure that everyone is working together towards the company’s goals and provide a sense of connectivity among remote workers.
Provide Cybersecurity Guidelines
Cybersecurity is a critical issue for remote workers. With remote access, there is an increased risk of cyber threats such as hacking, phishing, and malware attacks.
To minimize risk, establish cybersecurity guidelines that inform employees about the best practices for secure remote access, password management, and online safety practices. This can be done through regular training sessions or informational memos, and should be updated regularly as new threats emerge.
Clarify expectations for performance
One of the biggest concerns for employers is maintaining productivity when employees work remotely. It’s important to establish clear expectations for performance, which can include metrics that must be met, deadlines for assignments, and processes for tracking progress.
Communication between management and employees is also key in measuring performance as it is more difficult to observe an employee’s work when they are not physically present. Performance tracking methods can include regularly scheduled group and individual meetings, clear job descriptions and agreed-upon objectives.
Addressing Pay and Benefits
Remote work can create some unique situations, particularly relating to pay and benefits. Employers should establish how employees will be paid – whether through direct deposit or alternative payments – and how taxes or other deductions will be managed.
Benefits packages also require thoughtful consideration. Determine how the same benefits will be provided to remote workers as they are for in-office employees, and consider new benefits or policies that may be necessary for remote workers.
Create Onboarding and Departure Checklists
Finally, establish onboarding and departure checklists to ensure a smooth transition for remote employees, whether they are starting or leaving the company. This can include all of the necessary equipment and resources they need to work remotely, expectations for communication and availability, and information about how benefits and pay are administered.
Establish Time Tracking Practices
One of the challenges that employers face when managing remote workers is ensuring accountability for their time. To remedy this, establish time-tracking practices to monitor the hours spent by remote workers. Although different from the traditional clock-in system, there are plenty of tools that can be used for time tracking such as time tracking software, project management software, or attendance tracking sheet that can be filled daily.
Outline Policies for Home Work Environment
One of the biggest benefits of remote work is the existence of flexible hours that allow remote workers the liberty to work from anywhere including their home. However, home environments are not always optimal for work hours. To ensure convenience and productivity of remote workers at home, outline policies that address home work environments. This can include discussing proper seating positions, proper lighting and noise reduction, also establishing electronic device standards.
Prioritize Mental Health
Remote work can have both physical and mental health implications. Employers must prioritize the talk about mental health which is often forgotten. One way to address mental health is to offer counseling sessions, arrange for periodical check-ins to ensure that remote workers feel supported and have access to mental health resources. Mental health programs can be such as meditation sessions, mindfulness classes, or virtual book clubs.
Outline Privacy Policies
Remote workers often operate on their personal devices, work on their personal network and handle sensitive information. As a result, secure company information and maintaining confidentiality can become an issue. To avert potential issues, establish privacy policies that outline how confidential information will be protected and what employees can and cannot share on company property.
Provide Technical Support
Remote workers can experience technical issues while working from home during work hours that could halt their productivity. Employers must ensure that technical support is available for their employees, alongside troubleshooting guidelines for the technical issues that can occur while working remotely.
Create a System for Remote Work Expenses
Remote work expenses can accumulate and can go unnoticed when not properly tracked. Establish a system that reimburses employees for relevant expenses such as internet, home office set-up, and other tech-related costs. This is an excellent way to show your remote workers that you value their contributions and are invested in their comfort and success.
Emphasize Collaborative Culture
Working remotely doesn’t necessarily mean working on projects solely. As remote collaboration increases, companies need to foster a sense of togetherness and belonging in their virtual teams. Emphasize a collaborative culture by scheduling regular team-building activities that strengthen relationships, cross-team collaboration, and social interactions among remote employees.
Outline Policies for Remote Work Tools
Remote work tools have vital roles to play to set everyone up for success. To ensure the effectiveness of these tools, Remote Work Policies should include guidelines to ensure they are optimized. Guidelines can include:
a. Policies that outline tools that can and cannot be used
b. Guidelines for downloading and installing recommended software
c. Password policies
d. Security protocols that need to be adhered to for remote-work specific software
Allow for Flexibility
As remote work policies become increasingly standardized, it’s time to understand that the best remote-work policies are those that are flexible to employee needs. Allowing for flexibility leads to a healthier work-life balance and helps reduce employee burnout.
Encourage Diversity and Inclusion
Remote work policies should also emphasize the importance of diversity and inclusion. To ensure diversity and inclusion, establish policies that create a safe space and non-discriminatory environment. Allow employees to discuss their experiences and provide appropriate resources to make room for everyone’s needs.
Address Legal Obligations
Alongside company policies, legal obligations must be addressed to ensure they are adhered to. This could include items such as General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), health and safety regulations and any employment law specifics that may vary in different regions across the world.
Establish Metrics to Measure Progress
The Remote Work policy must be preceded by a strategy outlining objectives that the company expects to achieve in the long term. Evaluate every step of the Remote Work policy implementation to ensure that they align with company objectives. This allows the company to adjust accordingly and restructure the comprehensive policies as per the achieved yardsticks.
Regularly Update the Remote Work Policy
Remote work policies must be reviewed and updated frequently to reflect the changing times and conditions. Ensure policies reflect the technological advancements and evolving working conditions. With each changed policy, remotely working employees are on the loop with the plan updates, ensuring they have up-to-date information that aligns with company goals.
Final Thoughts
Creating a comprehensive remote work policy is crucial for the success of both the company and its remote workers. It is important to establish clear guidelines for remote work that provide structure and direction, while also allowing for flexibility and accommodating individual needs. Moreover, remote work policies should be regularly updated to reflect changing circumstances and evolving technology.
Through this long-form blog, we have provided 20 key elements that employers should consider when creating a remote work policy. Addressing these elements will not only ensure the success of remote work arrangements but also promote employee satisfaction and well-being. Remember, a well-structured remote work policy promotes a healthier work-life balance, leads to improved productivity, and reduces employee burnout.
As the world continues to embrace remote work, companies need to ensure their remote work policies are up-to-date and aligned with modern working conditions. Creating a Remote Work policy that accommodates a myriad of components is an investment in the future of the company and the well-being of their remote workers. With this in mind, companies will achieve optimal productivity, cost-reduction benefits while enhancing employee engagement and satisfaction.