Most businesses don’t have a work-from-home policy

It may not be for everyone, but working from home is a perk of which an increasing number of Americans are taking advantage. In 2012, for instance, the remote workforce comprised about 39 percent of the U.S., according to polling done by Gallup. Four years later, the rate rose to 43 percent, a share that is expected to increase in the years ahead.

More businesses are allowing their staff telecommute options if they so choose, as many people thrive on their home turf. Yet despite companies being more open to this method, few have any policies in place that detail what is and isn't allowed, according to the results of a newly released survey.

In a recent survey conducted by freelancing website Upwork, approximately two-thirds of businesses have remote workers included on their payrolls. But at the same time, even though many of their workers never step foot in the office, 57 percent of companies do not have a formal telecommuting policy that detail what rules apply, like eligibility requirements.

Engagement level of remote workers can vary
While most polls show business entities give the green light on their employees get jobs accomplished outside the office, there has been some resistance. Detractors point to the notion that remote employees – specifically those who work from home 100 percent of the time – tend to be the least engaged, meaning they're less enthusiastic or involved in their work processes compared to those who are physically on location.

However, other Gallup polling suggests otherwise. A 2017 survey found employees were the most engaged when they did a little bit of both.

"When examining the most engaged group of remote employees (those who operate remotely 60 percent to less than 80 percent of the time), Gallup finds that they are the most likely of all employees to strongly agree that their engagement needs related to development and relationships are being met," methodologists Annamarie Mann and Amy Adkins wrote.

But work-related norms and employees' preferences are never static, which is why experts say it's important to not only have a work-from-home policy, but to update it on an as-needed basis.

Stephanie Kasriel, Upwork CEO, indicated companies that are transparent about telecommuting may be able to widen their net of potential staff members.

"Companies that refuse to support a remote workforce risk losing their best people and turning away tomorrow's top talent," Kasriel warned. "When companies make even small shifts towards more distributed workforces, looking outside urban centers, they can make a significant impact towards building a more secure, innovative and equitable future of work."

Telecommuting can strengthen professional relationships
Furthermore, while it may sound counterintuitive, a workforce that is fully remote can bring colleagues closer together, noted Inc. Magazine contributor and entrepreneur Nicholas Sonnenberg. With a plethora of instant messaging systems available, Sonnenberg said, staff members have the ability to connect with their team members with just a few button clicks. Plus, group emails fosters inclusiveness by keeping everyone in the loop on the latest developments or announcements.

Telecommuting is all about streamlining production and making work life more manageable. However, it comes with various regulatory strictures that can be time-consuming and confusing. The Law Offices of Donald W. Hudspeth has the legal knowledge and compliance understanding that can make adding a work-from-home program fairly turnkey. We can also you provide recommendations on designing a remote work policy that is comprehensive.

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