Bottom Line Equipment Virtual Work Environment Protocol
In preparation for the possibility of being remote for an extended period of time, Bottom Line Equipment has established a set of ground rules for being remote. This document contains both employee and managers expectations, in order to provide transparency and help support each other through these uncertain times. This is a great opportunity for Bottom Line Equipment to develop a strong remote culture, innovate new ideas, and differentiate.
Continuity:
- Plan with your supervisor and team regarding continued achievement of deliverables
- Quarterly Rocks
- Weekly To-do’s (all to-dos should feed into your quarterly rocks)
- Quarterly Rocks
Communication:
- Check-in with your team in the morning and at the end of the day
- Ensure each team member has Skype available
- Participate in in weekly Department L-10
- Clarify communication cadence with supervisor
- when to Skype, email, text, call, etc.
Productive Work:
- Ensure internet connectivity is strong. If unreliable, work as close to your router as possible or consider if your phone has hotspot tethering capability. Ethernet is also an option if you can connect directly to your router
- Contact Bottom Line Equipment’s IT team if you need a hot spot
- Find a location conducive to your most productive self. Consider a “Do Not Disturb” sign or noise cancelling headphones if needed.
- Bring your 2nd monitor home with you if it aids in your productivity
- Dress according to work attire standards
Culture:
- Continue to share wins, recognitions, and stories regarding our Core Values in your meetings or through emails. This very important!
- Take a break each day to connect with a colleague in a meaningful way virtually
For Managers:
- Personal daily check-in (video whenever possible) between each manager and each of their direct reports
- Continue or even increase feedback to your team during this time
- Consider over-communication with the intent of collaboration and relationship-building (including written communication / weekly / bi-weekly write-ups if prudent)
- Consistently ask team members how remote work is going and what obstacles they are facing
Backup Plans:
- If home Wi-Fi/Internet doesn’t work well, or is overloaded, cell-phone connection backup should be used
Travel Protocol:
- Outbound business travel is suspended until further notice. Any exceptions must be approved by a Direct Supervisor.
- All employees who are traveling via air should not return to the office until 14 days after their last date of travel to ensure the virus incubation period has passed.
- Employees are asked to meet with any and all third parties (customers, vendors, etc.) via webinar. In the event a customer refuses to meet virtually, the employee is to notify their supervisor to assess the situation.
Sick Time/PTO/Days Off:
- Regardless of what kind of time off is needed, workers time needs to be accounted for and documented with Human Resources
- Bottom Line Equipment’s Remote Workforce expectation includes the following:
- All workers are working regular hours during the week
- Any exception should be communicated to the employee’s direct supervisor and Human resources
- Human Resources will follow the same protocol for using PTO to excuse absences for sick leave and vacation