Teleworking, or working remotely, has become increasingly popular over the years, and especially so during the COVID-19 pandemic. As companies continue to embrace teleworking, it’s important to establish clear guidelines and expectations for remote workers. This is where a telework agreement comes in.
A telework agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions of a remote work arrangement. It can help ensure that both the employer and the employee are on the same page and can avoid potential issues and misunderstandings down the road.
So how do you create a telework agreement?
1. Define the Scope
The first step in creating a telework agreement is to define the scope of the arrangement. This includes identifying whether the employee will work full-time or part-time remotely, the frequency of in-office attendance, and the duration of the arrangement.
2. Establish Employee Eligibility
Not all employees are good candidates for teleworking. Therefore, the telework agreement should establish eligibility criteria, such as whether the employee has the necessary skills and experience, adequate home office setup, and a reliable internet connection.
3. Establish Work Hours
One of the challenges of teleworking is keeping employee work hours in check. It’s important to establish clear work hours and determine how they will be tracked. This ensures that the employee is accountable for their time and that all work hours are properly documented.
4. Establish Equipment and Technology Standards
Remote employees need to have the necessary equipment and technology to perform their jobs effectively. The telework agreement should establish standards for equipment, such as computers and printers, and technology, such as software and apps.
5. Establish Communications Protocols
Communication is key when it comes to teleworking. The telework agreement should establish communication protocols, such as how often the employee is expected to check-in, the methods of communication, and the response time for emails and messages.
6. Address Security and Data Privacy
Remote work involves handling sensitive information, so it’s important to establish security and data privacy protocols. The telework agreement should address how the employee should handle confidential information, such as not using public Wi-Fi networks when working with sensitive company data.
7. Establish Performance Expectations
Just because an employee is working remotely doesn’t mean they’re not accountable for their work performance. The telework agreement should establish clear performance expectations, such as deadlines, production targets, and quality standards.
8. Establish Termination Procedures
Finally, the telework agreement should establish termination procedures. This includes what happens if the employee decides to leave the company, if the telework arrangement is terminated by the company, or if the employee is no longer eligible for teleworking.
In conclusion, creating a telework agreement is critical for ensuring that remote work arrangements are successful for both the employer and the employee. By following these guidelines, you can create a telework agreement that clearly outlines expectations, responsibilities, and procedures for your remote workers.