The pandemic has surely forced organisations revisit some of their policies and procedures in order to support their employees who are compelled to work from home. While some policies were tweaked a bit to accommodate the new work environment, many new ones were introduced. The most popular ones that impacted employees working from home are:
Work from home policy – Past restrictions on who can and who cannot work from home were looked into in more detail to accommodate as many employees as possible
Internet, phone, courier expense reimbursement policy – Policy and procedures set up to enable employees to claim their expenses on courier, calls and internet charges. Revised procedures on how to electronically claim their allowances are also specified
Office equipment purchase policy – In support of employees to purchase office equipment such as laptop or desktop, software applications, electronic / electrical equipment, printer, ear phones, chair / table, stationery, etc
Medical coverage policy – Ensuring employees and their families are adequately covered for the pandemic so that timely treatment is provided in case of any exigency and that their work schedules are reassigned
Leave carry forward / encashment policy – As travelling is not an option and vacation is restricted under both medical & economic circumstances, a more liberal leave carry forward / encashment policy is extended to employees
Employee Wellness policy – Man is a social animal and it is truly proven now! Restrictions could cause stress or any other disorder, including physical or mental disharmony due to lack of exercise, fresh air and socialising.
Business Etiquette policy – Certain business rules about work timings, dress codes, ethics, avoiding background noise, client / stakeholder meetings, team meetings, etc were stressed in order to maintain a fair office decorum even while working from the comforts of their homes. Setting up of online streaming apps like Skype or MS Teams or Zoom or Google Meet, etc are made compulsory
Data Security and Records Management policy – Probably the most important policy since it deals with managing sensitive employee data, especially in a function line HR or Payroll or business sensitive functions like Sales or Pricing. While an office environment had all the physical and electronic restrictions and protection to data, it may not be so in a home environment.
Mandatory and online training policy – Whether one works from office or home, some trainings cannot be avoided, especially the mandatory courses. Progress on these are tracked remotely by L&D team to ensure completion or certification.
These are really challenging times for HR teams as they are going out of their way to keep their folks engaged, focussed and challenged. At this point in time, all we can do is say ‘Kudos HR, well done’!!