Many organizations in recent years have implemented remote work policies. If remote work is not common at your company, you may not have an official work from home policy in place.
However, it can greatly affect productivity and engagement if you do not have specific remote work guidelines in place. In this article, learn more about the importance of having a remote work policy and the key factors it should address.
Why Is It Important to Have a Work-From-Home Policy?
A comprehensive Work-From-Home policy creates structure for remote teams while establishing clear expectations and boundaries. Without remote work etiquette, productivity suffers as employees navigate unclear expectations, communication gaps, and potential security risks.
Here are 7 key reasons why a work-from-home policy needs to be in place for your business.
It Prevents Miscommunication
The most important reason you need to implement an official remote work policy is because it prevents miscommunication. When you are not in the same place as your team, getting everyone on the same page can be challenging without having a defined set of work-from-home rules that can be referenced.
What to include in your remote work policy: Establish expectations as clearly as possible for performance standards and level of accessibility from your employees. Consider all factors that could be up for interpretation. This includes deadlines, how often to check in or provide updates, hours of availability, etc.
It Can Help with Team Building
A major hindrance with remote work is the impact it can have on team building. When you do not have the opportunities for water cooler chat and quick debriefings when colleagues cross paths, it can be difficult to build social connections and a sense of camaraderie.
What to include in your remote work policy: Communicate the importance of employees providing consistent check-ins and progress updates. Set up a preferred channel where you want your team to be accessible (for example, via Slack or Microsoft Teams) and state when/why/how you want them to use it for team communication.
It Enhances Productivity and Accountability
A well-crafted work-from-home policy sets clear performance expectations. Without structured guidelines, remote employees may struggle with time management or feel uncertain about priorities. Creating accountability measures within your telecommuting policy ensures projects stay on track despite physical distance.
What to include in your remote work policy: Define how productivity will be measured remotely, establish regular check-in protocols, and create systems for tracking project progress. Flexibility is perhaps the biggest perk of remote work, but this must be balanced with clear accountability.
It Addresses Work-Life Balance Concerns
It’s essential for your work-from-home policy to address healthy boundaries. Without clear remote work guidelines, employees may experience burnout from overworking or face challenges disconnecting after hours.
What to include in your remote work policy: Establish expected work hours, break guidelines, and "right to disconnect" provisions. Clarify expectations around after-hours communications and weekend availability. Encourage employees to create dedicated workspaces and routines that separate work from personal time.
It Clarifies Technology Requirements and Support
A comprehensive telecommuting policy must address technology expectations and support mechanisms. Remote workers rely entirely on technology to perform their jobs, which makes clear standards essential for consistent productivity and security.
What to include in your remote work policy: Include guidelines for equipment maintenance responsibilities and establish protocols for company-owned versus personal device usage. For candidates who cannot meet your technology requirements, turning down applicants may be necessary despite other qualifications.
It Streamlines Onboarding and Training Processes
Onboarding and managing new hires present unique challenges that your work-from-home policy should address. Without structured guidelines, employee onboarding can lead to knowledge gaps and delayed productivity.
What to include in your remote work policy: Create a detailed remote onboarding process with virtual orientation sessions, digital training resources, and assigned mentors. Establish a timeline for completing initial training and set regular check-in points to assess knowledge acquisition.
It Sets Cybersecurity Protection Standards
With remote working, there is an inherent risk of sensitive information being vulnerable to hackers. As part of your working from home policy, it's crucial to have cybersecurity protection standards in place when employees are using their home internet and devices to access company systems and information.
What to include in your remote work policy: Set strict standards on setting passwords, not logging into work systems unless under a secure connection, and whatever other rules apply to your company's specific business needs.
What Should a Work-From-Home Policy Include in General?
An effective work-from-home policy must comprehensively address all aspects of remote operations. Start by clearly defining which positions qualify for telecommuting policy benefits and any performance requirements. Establish concrete work hour expectations, including core availability hours, time tracking procedures, and flexibility parameters.
In your remote work guidelines, detail required response times, preferred platforms, and meeting protocols. Address technology specifications, including required equipment, security protocols, and support procedures. Include detailed performance measurement standards tailored to remote environments.
Your work-from-home policy should address expense reimbursements, workers' compensation in home offices, and data protection requirements. Outline procedures for requesting remote work arrangements and the approval process. Remember that hiring too fast without proper remote work structures can lead to confusion and decreased productivity.
What Is an Example of a Remote Working Policy?
Below is a condensed remote work policy that demonstrates key components:
"At [Company], eligible employees may work remotely three days weekly, subject to management approval and maintaining performance standards. Core hours are 10am-3pm daily, with additional flexible hours to complete a full workday. Remote work guidelines require employees to be available via Microsoft Teams during core hours with camera-on for scheduled meetings.
Company equipment must utilize VPN connections and two-factor authentication. Personal devices require IT-approved security software. Performance will be measured through weekly deliverables and quarterly reviews.
For successful telecommuting policy implementation, employees must maintain a dedicated workspace, ensuring confidentiality and minimizing distractions. Termination of employees who cannot meet these requirements may be necessary to maintain operational standards. Employee onboarding includes remote work orientation and technology setup assistance. Remote work arrangements undergo 90-day probationary periods and annual reviews to ensure continued effectiveness."
This is just one of many remote work policy examples that illustrates the balance between structure and flexibility needed for effective implementation.
Partner with Experts to Navigate Your Remote Workforce Needs
Attract top talent by turning to Nesco Resource. As one of the top staffing and employment agencies in the nation, we are dedicated to matching you with the candidates who are the best fit for your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more.