The Importance of a Telecommuting Policy
A telecommuting policy is important if an employer chooses to allow their employees to work from home or remotely. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of employees working from home greatly increased meaning that employers had to be prepared with telecommuting policies and procedures. A telecommuting policy can communicate to employees the guidelines for working from home which can improve productivity and job performance as well as promote team connectivity. As telecommuting becomes more common, it is wise to put a formal telecommuting program in place to help you keep track of employees who work remotely and ensure everyone is performing at their peak, regardless of location.
What is a telecommuting policy?
A telecommuting policy is a written plan outlining the understanding of, and commitment to, telecommuting as mutually agreed upon by the employee and their department, and is required for regular telecommuting arrangements. The policy will define what positions are eligible to work from home and what tools and equipment they are expected to use. A telecommuting policy can be used to create an effective work structure by entrusting managers to check in with remote employees and requiring remote employees to regularly provide a list of tasks completed.
A telecommuting policy will cover :
- Eligibility for employees to work from home
- Expectations for work hours
- Equipment used and cybersecurity
- Company’s preferred communication methods
After implementing a telecommuting policy, your remote employees will be able to:
- Maintain an organized culture that supports employee flexibility and mobility.
- Experience a positive work/life balance
- Understand expectations for work hours
- Identify and correct home-office hazards
Insure Compliance can provide a customized and specific telecommuting policy for your business in order to maximize productivity and performance for telecommuting employees.
Why should I have a telecommuting policy in place?
A telecommuting policy outlines the guidelines and procedures for employees that work remotely. Having a clear and specific policy established will help employees understand their work expectations and requirements. This ensures that employees maintain communication with managers and meet deadlines. At a minimum, a telecommuting policy should include:
- A work schedule that specifies telework days and hours of work.
- Required methods of communication
- Responsibility for telework equipment.
- Employee agreement to maintain a safe work environment.
- Circumstances requiring on-site attendance.
Trusted by the best
We believe safety and profit are not mutually exclusive
With Insure Compliance, we apply our Safety Gap Model to analyze safety programs and identify gaps that prevent companies from creating safe and profitable work environments.
Insurance Roots
Our roots in insurance mean we don’t just understand the safety side of the business, but how to implement a safety program that minimizes your risk.
Proven Methodology
Our Safety Gap Model gets results: lowers costs, less incidents, and reduced insurance costs.
True Partnership
Much of business is about reducing risk. We work with you to implement safety initiatives that reduce risk, moving you to a shared goal of a safer and profitable future.
Lead with Care
We believe safety performance changes when there is a focus on encouragement and teachable moments, not reprimands.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Create a positive Safety culture
without breaking the bank
