A hybrid workplace policy explains the rules and expectations for employees in-office and remote work. Let’s look at seven different components your hybrid workplace policy should include.
[Read more: Leading a Hybrid Team? Here’s How to Create and Maintain Your Culture]
Outline the company’s hybrid model
The policy should start by outlining how the company’s hybrid model works. It should explain the different remote work options available to employees, such as working part-time in the office and part-time from home.
It’s also a good idea to highlight some of the benefits of hybrid work. For instance, employees will benefit by spending less time commuting to work, and they’ll have more flexibility in their personal and professional lives.
Explain which employees are eligible for remote work
It’s also important to detail which employees are eligible for remote work. You should explain each of the job positions within the company and highlight which ones can be performed remotely.
There may be specific jobs where remote work isn’t an option, and the policy should explain why. For instance, some employees may need to be in the office to perform their jobs adequately.
[Read more: 10 Forward-Looking Companies Offering Flexible Work]
Establish expectations for remote employees
The policy also needs to outline the expectations and rules for remote workers. And this will vary quite a bit depending on whether you have hourly or salaried employees.
Salaried employees may have more flexibility around their working hours, assuming they can get their jobs done. But hourly employees may need to log into their computers during certain times of the day.
The document should outline the following:
- How employees should document their mealtimes and breaks.
- How employees can receive permission to work overtime.
- When they need to check in with their supervisor or schedule one-on-one meetings.
- Team meetings that all employees must be present for.
It’s also important to detail which employees are eligible for remote work. You should explain each of the job positions within the company and highlight which ones can be performed remotely.
Overview technology use
If you have many employees working remotely at least part of the time, cyber security is a significant concern. The policy should discuss technology usage and who can access their work computer.
It may be a good idea to equip remote workers with a VPN so they can work on sensitive company data securely. It’s also a good idea to download a firewall and antivirus software on company laptops, and employees should consider enabling multi-factor authentication.
[Read more: 6 Ways to Make Your Hybrid Workforce Secure]
Describe the equipment provided
It’s essential to think about what kind of equipment employees need in order to work from home successfully. For some employees, a Wi-Fi connection and a laptop might be enough. You may want to provide additional software and tools.
For instance, some employees may need access to video conferencing software and hardware for virtual meetings. And some employees may need access to additional home office tools, like a printer.
Explain safety measures the company is taking
Employees who are coming into the office need to know what kind of safety measures you have in place. You can outline the following COVID safety protocols:
- Mask mandates at the office.
- Social distancing guidelines.
- Office cleaning procedures.
- Protocols for responding to employee COVID cases.
By explaining the steps you’re taking to keep your employees safe, they’ll likely feel more comfortable coming into the office to work.
Discuss employee compensation and benefits
And finally, the policy should discuss the compensation and benefits employees will receive. For instance, some companies are giving their employees a monthly stipend for equipment and or office-related costs.
It’s a good idea to talk to your team to see what’s important to them first. Consistently communicating with your employees will ensure that everyone stays on the same page and make your hybrid workplace more successful.
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