The boiler plate policy below should give you as an employer a good idea what should be included in a company policy that deals with remote workers. These are the basic aspects that should be included at minimum.
Company Policy: Maintaining Work Performance for Remote Workers
Purpose: This policy is designed to ensure that remote workers maintain their productivity and work performance while working from home or other remote locations. The policy is intended to promote a culture of accountability and support for remote workers, and to ensure that all employees are able to meet the expectations and requirements of the company.
Scope: This policy applies to all employees who work remotely for the company, including those who work from home or other remote locations.
Policy:
- Communication: Remote workers are expected to maintain regular communication with their supervisor and colleagues, using the appropriate channels (e.g. email, phone, video conferencing, etc.). Remote workers should also make themselves available during regular business hours, and should respond to any requests or inquiries in a timely manner.
- Work schedule: Remote workers are expected to maintain regular work schedules, and should be available during their scheduled work hours. Remote workers should also be able to work independently and be self-motivated.
- Productivity: Remote workers are expected to maintain their productivity and work performance, and should meet the same expectations and requirements as employees who work in the office. Remote workers should also be able to meet deadlines and achieve set goals.
- Equipment: The company will provide necessary equipment (e.g. computer, internet connection, etc.) to remote workers. Remote workers are responsible for taking due care and attention to secure and maintain the equipment in good and proper working order, and should immediately report any issues or malfunctions to their supervisor. Remote workers are also responsible for ensuring that the equipment is used in compliance with the company’s IT policies and procedures.
- Security: Remote workers are responsible for ensuring the security of their work environment and should take appropriate steps to protect sensitive information.
- Reporting: Remote workers are expected to report any problems or issues that may affect their ability to work remotely to their supervisor.
- Regular check-ins: Remote workers will have regular check-ins with their supervisor to ensure that they are meeting expectations and to provide support as needed.
- Compliance: Remote workers are responsible for adhering to all company policies and procedures, including those related to data security and confidentiality.
- Remote workers are responsible for adhering to all Canadian laws and regulations pertaining to remote work, including those related to taxes, benefits, and insurance.
Enforcement: Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
Implementation: This policy will be communicated to all remote workers and will be made available on the company’s intranet. All employees are expected to read and understand this policy.
Effective Date: This policy will become effective immediately and will be reviewed annually.
Approval: This policy has been approved by the management team and the Human Resources department.
Signed:
(Name and Title)
Date: ____________
Industry Specific aspects
Employers should be aware of their industry specific requirements when dealing with remote workers, as these requirements may have a significant impact on the role, responsibilities, and professionalism of remote workers. For example, in industries such as healthcare or finance, there may be strict regulations and laws that govern the handling of sensitive information and data. Employers should ensure that their remote workers are fully trained and educated on these regulations and laws, and that they are able to adhere to them while working remotely.
In addition, employers should also be aware of any specific technical or industry-specific skills that are required for a remote worker’s role. For example, remote workers in the technology industry may need specialized software or equipment to perform their job effectively. Employers should provide the necessary tools and resources to ensure that remote workers have the necessary capabilities to perform their role.
