How to Write a Remote Work Policy: 5 Simple Steps to Follow

Did you know that having a routine can have a huge impact on your workplace productivity? According to the Harvard Business Review, 92% of highly productive people follow planned morning routines. It just goes to show that creating routine and structure for your workday can influence your overall success. With the growing trend of remote work, many workers have struggled to create a sense of routine while working from home. A great way that you can help to create structure for your remote employees is by creating a remote work policy. This policy can eliminate any confusions surrounding working hours, deadlines and responsibilities. Not sure where to start? Keep reading as we review what a remote work policy is, why it’s important and 5 steps to follow when writing yours. 

What is a remote work policy?  

An employee remote work policy is a written set of rules and instructions regarding how employees should work remotely. This policy acts as a guideline on how employees should be working in the virtual workspace. Elements of the policy include working hours, required meetings and software tools. 

Why is a remote work policy important? 

Think of your remote work policy as a roadmap that employees can use on their journey to success. These guidelines allow employees to be more efficient and waste less time working out logistics. Providing clear expectations allows employees to understand what is expected of them, which also results in better time management.  

How to Write a Remote Work Policy  

Now that you have an understanding of what a remote work policy is, let’s review the process of how to create one.  

Step 1: Establish formal working schedules  

Outline for employees the hours that they are required to be available via phone, email and messenger. This will vary based on the nature of your company but if there is a specific time that you would like employees to begin and end their workday, you need to state this in your policy. If you are operating on more flexible working hours, it is important that you outline the procedures regarding reporting work hours and completed tasks.   

Step 2: Organize review processes  

Provide employees with the processes that will be used to assess the quality of their work. For example, all employees must submit their projects to their manager before sending work to clients. Be sure to express to employees that this system is not used to police them but to ensure that everyone is reaching their goals and working at their best.  

Step 3: Create a tech support guide 

Technology is not always easy to navigate, and it’s important that you give employees the tech support they require. For example, create data protection guidelines and provide information on any device security tools that employees may need. It is also helpful to include a section on what employees should do if they have issues with their Wi-Fi, computer or software tools.  

Step 4: Clarify remote work rules  

Try to outline the areas that may be confusing for remote-work employees. For example, how do employees use their sick days and vacation while working remotely? What expenses are covered by the company for remote employees?  

Step 5: Regularly review the policy 

A workplace is a constantly evolving and changing place, so it’s important that you regularly review your remote work policy to make sure it’s still relevant. A great way to stay on top of this is to schedule a time in your calendar each month to review the policy.  

So, there you go! Everything you need to know about a remote work policy and a few steps to help get you started on creating your own. Now, although these steps are a great start, creating the perfect remote work policy depends on the nature of your company. Each company is unique, and it can be hard to determine what methods work best for your team. Luckily, there are professionals that specialize in policy writing and can help you develop a policy that reflects your team's specific needs and requirements. Here at STEPS, we offer small business services and would be happy to work with you to manage your remote work employees. Learn more about our services by visiting our home page or sending us a message on our contact page.