As your business is implementing telecommuting or teleworking policies during the Coronavirus Pandemic, questions beyond productivity and collaboration may arise.
While there are many benefits, such an increased safety, and even lowered operational costs, telecommuting can create liabilities for business owners.
Until the courts determine how to handle telecommuting issues, there are many grey areas.
My recommendation is to be aware of potential areas of risk and assess possible problems before they happen.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
Injuries
Does your business insurance cover injuries that occur at home?
What is your policy for injury reporting?
What is considered an "at-home work injury"?
Productivity
How are you tracking employee productivity?
Do you have standards or metrics in place to measure employee performance?
How will you handle/address performance or productivity issues that arise?
Monitoring Overtime Hours
What is your time or record-keeping system?
Do you have an overtime policy in place?
How will you handle discrepancies or disagreements about hours worked?
Cybersecurity
How are you protecting company information from home computers?
What is your plan for addressing cyber attacks or security breaches?
How liable are your employees for protecting company information from home?
Security of Equipment
What policies do you have in place to protect company equipment?
What happens if equipment gets lost, broken, or stolen?
What liabilities do employees have for company equipment while at home?
Local Zoning Rules
Do you know the laws around running a business out of your home?
Are there any ordinances that might prevent your employees from fully performing their jobs from home?
Inappropriate Communications & Harassment
Do you have written policies around inappropriate communications?
How are you monitoring employee interactions with coworkers and clients?
Staff Morale
How are you maintaining staff morale while working remotely?
Is lowered staff morale a risk to you or your business?
My highest recommendation is to have a plan to address each area of risk while your staff is working from home. If you need support or have questions, I offer always free consultations.
Be safe out there....and at home!
-Marjorie J. Maginnis, Business Attorney, Asheville
About Marjorie:
For over 20 years, I have been using my hands-on experience to help innovative, values-based companies assess their legal risk while understanding their business reality in order to elevate the gains and the enjoyment of business ownership.
Whether this is your first start-up or you’ve been in business for years, I can help. I dedicate my practice to understanding your business needs, operations, and overall strategy. My unique approach allows me to anticipate and handle the legal issues associated with your business to avoid costly distractions. I understand that your legal obligation doesn’t always fit neatly into your business reality. Together, let’s discuss your risks so you can make the best decisions for your company.