How to Manage a Smooth Work - From - Home Transition

Dear (Managers),

Considerations Before Creating the Work-From-Home Policy

• Set expectations for employees.
• Align the work-from-home policy with existing company policies and core values.
• Ensure that employees understand each guideline and their new responsibilities.
• Establish goals, such as:
  • Maintain work productivity.
  • Enhance employee experience.
• Consider the following:
  • Suitability of:
    • Employee Characteristics
    • Job Role
    • Home Environment and Equipment
  • Physical Communication With External People
  • Software for:
    • Disseminating Company Updates
    • Timekeeping
    • File Sharing
    • Project Management
  • Risks of Cybersecurity
  • Provision of Office Supplies and Other Requirements

Recommended Tools

For Video Conferencing, Collaboration, and Employee Management:

• Skype
• Discord
• Zoom
• Google Hangouts
• Time Doctor
• Monday

For File Sharing and Project Management

• Trello
• Assana
• Podio
• Microsoft Project
• OmniPlan

Outlining the Work-From-Home Policy

• Ask all employees for their suggestions or feedback before finalizing the work-from-home policy. This will help you figure out what factors are realistic or not.
• Decide whether working from home will be required on certain hours and/or day only or full-time. Consider:
  • Management preferences
  • Employees’ obligations and communication tools
  • Having a team of technical support to assist employees in case of equipment or software malfunction
  • Scheduled internal meetings or events
  • Holding homebased meetings with external people and its accompanying risks
• When measuring productivity, determine what is more important: time spent working or completed tasks.
• Consider the technical limitations of certain software.

Approving Applications

• Discuss:
  • Who will approve the applications
  • The criteria of evaluation
• Talk to each employee to answer questions and settle concerns.

Kind Regards,

(Your Name and Signature)