There are many benefits to remote working for your business, but it can only be a success if you have a firm policy!
Your policy will need to lay out the expectations regarding employees and employers and all the processes and procedures employees must undergo. Here are some ideas of areas you to need cover in your policy!
Define the scope
Outline which roles within your organisation are eligible for remote work. Take into consideration client-facing responsibilities, software limitations and cybersecurity risks.
Specify all role restrictions to prevent frustration and avoid unnecessary requests.
You could opt for a selective acceptance process based on individual suitability. For example, you might want to describe the type of employee eligible to work from home: reliable, disciplined, highly organised, etc.
How to submit and approve remote working requests
You will need to provide a breakdown of the procedure employees must go through to request work from home.
In this section, map out the entire process: Is there paperwork that needs to be completed? Or should employees have a conversation with their manager first?
Explain who will approve WFH requests and what each request will be evaluated. For example, will requests be reviewed by individual managers, or will HR oversee the process?
What are the expectations of remote employees?
The expectations set for employees likely are the same whether they are in or outside the office. However, these must be detailed in the remote working policy.
Set particular guidelines for communication. Doing so holds remote workers accountable and sets expectations for office-based employees. For example, are WFH employees expected to complete a work plan/timesheet? Or when they are expected to be online.
Security
This section will be one of the essential parts of the remote working policy. If remote staff use company IT equipment, use this section to outline the restrictions on its use and include advice for staff accessing confidential information in public places, like in your local cafe.
You should also remind employees of the overall IT equipment and systems policy for general guidelines on IT usage.
There are plenty more things to outline in your remote working policy, and you should always seek legal help when putting together a document of this magnitude. But if you’d like to see more suggested best practices and policy considerations, view our resource page.
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From delineating eligibility criteria to establishing communication protocols and cybersecurity measures, every facet of remote work must be meticulously addressed to ensure a seamless transition. By investing time and resources in crafting a comprehensive remote working policy, businesses can unlock the full potential of remote collaboration while safeguarding their interests and fostering a culture of productivity.
So, whether you're embarking on your remote work journey or refining existing policies, remember that the success of remote work hinges on the clarity and coherence of your remote working policy. Embrace the future of work, empower your employees, and redefine the possibilities of remote collaboration. After all, in a world where flexibility is paramount, a robust remote working policy is your compass to success.