A remote work policy helps to minimize issues that can arise from having employees working out of office. This policy clarifies expectations of working hours, legal rights, and cybersecurity measures.
Here is the process a business should go through when creating a remote working policy in their organization, and how to measure its success.
What is the process for creating a remote working policy?
- Determine what remote working will look like for all employees
Certain roles transition into remote working easier than others. For a copywriter, a laptop and Wi-Fi connection may be adequate; however, a salesperson may need additional tools like a headset and technology to keep them connected to the rest of the sales team.
A remote working policy should include all the tools and strategies an employee can utilize to be successful while working remotely. Questions to ask while making a remote work policy are?
- What strategies and resources will employees need to work out of office?
- How will remote work affect company culture?
- What can be done to keep team collaboration high?
- Equip workers with necessary tools to be successful at remote working
As mentioned above, having the necessary resources is essential to maintaining productivity outside the office.
To be successful with remote working, the employer should consider the following:
- Has your organization established video conferencing software that enables workers to continue collaborating and discussing work scenarios from different locations?
- Are you reimbursing employees for any money they may spend creating an appropriate work from home space?
Cybersecurity must also be a top priority. Whether employees are in the office or working remotely, ensuring the security of company files and customer data is essential. Depending on the nature of the role and information an employee is handling, some positions may require a VPN or another form of secure internet connection to ensure private information is not put at risk. A remote work policy should outline the steps required to ensure all information is secure, and which job positions need to take certain precautions.
- Clearly outline the rules for working remotely
Since remote working takes away the physical interaction between team members, clear rules are essential to keep productivity high and ensure everyone is on the same page. Employers can implement rules, such as:
- 1-on-1 meetings with manager
- All-team meetings
- Performance reviews and development activities
How can employers measure the success of a remote working policy?
There cannot be a general measure of success throughout the entire company. Different departments and teams will measure success differently and will need to set their own metrics for what success looks like.
Success could be completing a certain number of projects in a week, each employee working a certain amount of hours, or a specified number of client meetings sat over a period of time.
Looking for more information on a remote work policy for your business?
Our HR experts can help. Speak with one of our knowledgeable advisors today to receive support in creating company policies, as well as any other HR, health & safety or employment advice related questions you have. Call us today: 1(833)247-3652.
