Remote Work

Remote work is an arrangement where an employee works outside the office. The following will provide guidance and resources for those whose job duties allow working remotely.  

Create a Plan

Identify the roles that are critical to your business operations and determine whether those individuals can carry out their jobs while working remotely. If you can proceed, the next critical component is assessing your technological capabilities. 

• Do you have the support in place to assist with the inevitable questions and IT problems that will arise?
• Do you have sufficient security and privacy protocols in place?

Considering these questions will help determine whether you can move forward with a remote work plan.  

• SUPERVISOR TOOLS

  As a supervisor of employees working remotely, keep in mind: 

  • Set clear expectations.

  • Create a communication plan.

  • Manage all employees the same, whether they work remotely or on-site.

  • Engage with your employees regularly.

  • Schedule video-based coaching.

   

  When discussing remote work with your employees, consider communicating the following:

  • Working remotely does not equal free leave. Any time not spent working should be recorded as appropriate leave to equal a 40-hour work week or an 8-hour work day for full-time employees. 

  • It is recommended that employees submit a weekly work plan to their supervisor. This plan should outline tasks, objectives, and responsibilities the employee will perform during the week. Since items may come up that were not included in the original plan, employees should document their work and submit a final report reflecting the week. 

   

  IMPORTANT LINKS

  Remote Leadership: Inspiring and Leading Virtual Teams

  OSU Alternative Work Agreement

• EMPLOYEE TOOLS

  As an employee working remotely:

  • Create a communication plan with your supervisor.

  • Determine the required equipment for your remote workspace.

  • Maintain the same schedule as if were in the office.

  • Prepare for work as if you were in the office. 

  • Set boundaries and schedule breaks throughout the day.

   

  IMPORTANT LINKS

  Remote Work Tips: How to Reduce Stress While Working from Home

  OSU Alternate Work Agreement

• VIRTUAL MEETING BEST PRACTICES

  There are many remote or video conferencing tools available. Your team may already utilize a specific platform. 

  • Determine which platform you and your team will use.

  • Provide adequate information regarding the platform so everyone will know how to access the site or download the software to run the platform, in advance.

  • Practice logging in with another remote co-worker/employee to confirm audio and visual is working properly.

  • Provide instructions, guides or video resources to your team so they may practice and be prepared to host or participate in an online meeting.

   

  IMPORTANT LINKS

  16 Virtual Meetings Best Practices

  Productive Meeting Checklist in Microsoft Teams

  Run an Effective Online Meeting 

• CAMPUS RESOURCES

  • College of Arts and Sciences Working Remotely

  • IT Resources for Remote Access

    • ​Microsoft Teams Information

  • Talent Development offers online learning resources through the Learning Management System:

  • • Log in using your O-Key credentials

    • Search for the "Working Remotely/Telecommuting" playlist