Remote Work Policies

But some surveys suggest I am in the minority on the remote work option. Some data demonstrates that we have emerged from the pandemic with a workforce that likely expects employers to offer remote work options.  A recent survey by Owl Labs makes this abundantly clear:

·         92% of people surveyed expect to work from home at least 1 day per week;

·          80% expected to work at least 3 days from home per week;

·          81% of those surveyed believe their employer will continue to support remote work after COVID-19;

·          59% of respondents said they would be more likely to choose an employer who offered remote work compared to those who didn’t.

These data points prove that employers need to develop a strategy and policy on remote work. The policy might be that remote work will only be offered in limited circumstances or discouraged entirely. Yet, every employer needs to think through their position on remote work, and they need to do so soon because the topic is on everyone’s mind.

When considering remote work policy provisions, businesses should address:

·         What positions would be eligible for remote work;

·         Will eligibility be driven by individual factors like past performance;

·         Will supervisors be able to make case by case decisions;

·         Under what circumstances will an employee be required to return to the office.

For a well-written remote policy, look at the William & Mary University’s policy.

https://www.wm.edu/offices/compliance/policies/telecommute/index.php

I strongly recommend that any policy have certain rules. My rules would include:

·         A requirement that all employees spend a certain amount of time per week or every other week in the office. Even remote workers should engage with their colleagues on a scheduled, routine basis.

·          Management must be at the office more than their subordinates and certain executive positions should be office-only jobs.

·          Remote work should not translate to sporadic schedules. If the office hours are 8 to 5, a remote worker should keep the same or very close to the same hours.

Because I think the remote work issue is so important, in the weeks to follow I will write on related topics including:

·         How an employer makes the office more attractive than a remote work environment

·         Remote Work and Overtime: Beware of FLSA compliance

·         Insurance Issues and Remote Work: Worker’s Comp and other Insurance considerations

I hope you enjoyed this newsletter and am excited to see you soon at the new WKPZ offices. Let me know if you want to discuss your remote work policy.