Remote Work Policy: Why It's Important & Steps to Create One
Many workforces across the globe have already transitioned into remote work. What started out as a response to the coronavirus pandemic is now predicted to stay long after the crisis is over.
More and more business teams are discovering that scaling is a lot easier with remote professionals who are exceptionally productive.
A study found that remote workers put in 1.4 more days a month than office-based employees.
Now, to ensure that your business makes the most of this productivity and flexibility, you need a remote working policy.
Here’s everything you need to know about the role of a remote working policy in managing a successful remote team.
What Is a Remote Work Policy?
Remote teams need a solid foundation that will allow everyone to thrive in their jobs while working from different parts of the world.
A remote work policy is an agreement that contains all necessary details for employees that work from home. This set of guidelines outlines the following:
Their responsibilities
How they should go about work
Expected level of collaboration
How their work will be measured
The kind of support they have
Their legal rights as remote workers
Putting together a remote work policy requires clear communication between the employer and the employee. The main goal is to come up with an arrangement that benefits both parties.
Why Do You Need Remote Work Policy in Running a Remote Team?
It’s not enough that the team knows the rules. Having a formal policy in place empowers remote teams to work in the most efficient way possible.
A remote working policy is not necessarily a set of rules to follow. It’s a guide that is meant to help remote employees become more productive and connected with their team.
Collaboration requires clear communication of expectations. A remote work policy prevents you from reiterating your demands to everyone and constantly causing tension and stress.
How to Create a Remote Work Policy?
Not all remote work plans look the same. Some companies are not even fully remote teams in the first place.
Here are the questions you should consider when drafting your remote work policy:
Which roles are allowed to work from home (full-time and partially)?
Is there a limited number of days per month when they’re allowed to work from home?
Which meetings should be done virtually and in-person?
Is there a certain period during the day when remote employees should be online?
Will you be using time tracking software to monitor your remote employees?
How should remote employees communicate?
How will international employees fit into your policy?
What are the specific performance metrics for remote employees? Will it be different from your office-based employees, if there are any?
Are your fully remote employees paid per hour, per work done, or do they get a monthly salary?
Figuring these things out before officially running a partial or full-time remote team will keep your team and processes organized. Being structured is one of the keys to having a successful remote team.
ScaleSource Can Help You Find Remote Workers That Meet Your Expectations
ScaleSource is your one-stop agency for all kinds of remote professionals. We have a diverse pool of highly skilled and talented remote workers from different locations.
Check out our services and contact us so we can discuss how we can help you with what you’re looking for. We take care of everything from talent search to all necessary onboarding training.