About Working in the Office

Why We Have an In-office Work Model

Research has shown that there are many benefits to working in an office environment, including increased collaboration and communication, as well as a sense of community. We believe that coming into the office at least two days a week will help to foster these benefits and support your overall productivity and well-being.

At [Company Name], we believe that the office environment is an essential part of our company culture and is essential for collaboration and productivity. As such, we do not allow employees to work from home unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Circumstances that Warrant Remote Work

Here are a few circumstances that may qualify you for temporary remote work:

1. Illness or quarantine: If an employee or a member of their household is sick or needs to quarantine, remote work can help to prevent the spread of illness.
2. Personal emergencies: If an employee is dealing with a personal emergency, such as a family member's illness or a natural disaster, remote work can provide flexibility and allow them to attend to their personal needs.
3. Poor weather conditions: If inclement weather makes it unsafe or difficult for an employee to travel to the office, remote work can allow them to continue working.
4. Technology issues: If an employee's computer or internet connection is not working properly, remote work can allow them to continue working while the issue is being resolved.
5. Childcare or eldercare needs: If an employee needs to stay home to care for a child or an elderly relative, remote work can provide flexibility to meet these responsibilities.

Requesting Remote Work

Here are some steps you can follow to request temporary remote work approval:

1. Discuss your request with your manager: Talk to your manager about your request for temporary remote work, explaining the reasons for your request and how you plan to continue meeting your job responsibilities.
2. Submit a formal request: Complete a request form or write a letter explaining your request.
3. Follow up as needed: If your request is not immediately approved, follow up with your manager to see if there are any additional steps you need to take or if they need more information.
4. Communicate your plan: Once your request is approved, be sure to communicate your remote work plan to your manager and colleagues. This should include details on how you will stay connected and productive while working remotely. Be sure your preferred contact information is up to date in Trainual!

Pro Tips for Working from Home

Here are some tips to be productive while working remotely:

1. Create a designated workspace: Set up a dedicated space in your home for work, with all the necessary tools and resources.
2. Establish a routine: Set a regular schedule for yourself and try to stick to it as closely as possible.
3. Take breaks: It's important to step away from work and take breaks to rest and recharge.
4. Stay organized: Use tools like to-do lists and project management software to stay on top of tasks and deadlines.
5. Use communication tools effectively: Make sure to stay in touch with your colleagues and manager using video conferencing, messaging apps, and other communication tools.
6. Set boundaries: It's important to set boundaries with family and friends to ensure that you have uninterrupted time to work.

Remote Work Policy (For Extenuating Circumstances)

Our Remote Work Policy

Our remote work policy is designed to provide guidance and support to employees who may be granted permission to work from home in exceptional circumstances. It outlines our expectations for remote work and the steps employees can take to ensure their success in a remote work environment.

1. Employees who wish to work from home must obtain permission from their manager or supervisor. Permission to work from home will only be granted in exceptional circumstances, such as illness or emergency situations.
2. Employees who are granted permission to work from home are expected to have the necessary equipment and technology to support remote work, including a reliable internet connection and a suitable workspace.
3. Employees are expected to communicate and collaborate effectively with their team members and other stakeholders, using tools such as email, instant messaging, and video conferencing.
4. Employees are expected to manage their time effectively and prioritize their work to ensure that all tasks are completed on time and to a high standard.
5. Employees are expected to be available during regular business hours and to respond to urgent requests in a timely manner.
6. Employees are encouraged to take regular breaks and to prioritize their physical and mental health while working remotely.
7. Employees are expected to follow all company policies and procedures, including those related to security and confidentiality, when working remotely.
8. Any issues or challenges that arise while working remotely should be reported to a manager or supervisor as soon as possible.

By following these guidelines and working together as a team, we can ensure that our company continues to be successful and productive in a remote work environment.