Legal Blog
Your company has gone remote due to COVID-19 - what now?
Tune into my live webinar next week to learn the best practices for managing a remote workforce from a legal perspective.
Coronavirus: Tips for Remote Workplaces
The Coronavirus has flipped the “usual” course of business for most organizations. For some – this, unfortunately, means completely shutting down without the prospect of an alternative (i.e., sporting and recreational industries). However, a viable alternative for businesses that can adapt is changing to a remote workforce. Switching to a completely “virtual” workplace can maintain productivity – but presents several legal and logistical challenges. Consider the following tips when making the change:
1. Make sure that you’ve vetted cybersecurity risks.
For certain businesses, such as the healthcare field, data carries significant legal consequences if mishandled. Before permitting offsite work, make sure that both management and employees have adequate tools to minimize risk and maintain legal obligations.
2. Figure out how to track time.
Remote employees that are overtime-eligible must be paid in accordance with the law if they work over 40 hours per week. Make sure that you’ve clearly communicated how to track time offsite so that you can maintain expectations and compliance outside of the walls of the office.
3. Consider workers’ compensation.
Remote employees are eligible for workers’ compensation for injuries incurred during the course of their duties. Make expectations clear so that employees know the process for injuries that occur during the workday at home.
4. Communicate.
It might sound fundamental – however, communication is key to any successful organization, even those that have gone remote. Consider setting regular virtual meetings and related check-in parameters so that everyone is on the same page in such a dynamic situation.
It’s important to remember that during these uncertain times, these key rules of thumb can help maintain stability and consistency. Check out my upcoming webinar on the Remote Workforce for additional feedback and guidance.
If you have questions on this topic, please contact Theodora Stringham at tstringham@offitkurman.com or 703-745-1849.
For more legal information in regard to the Novel COVID-19 outbreak, please check out our COVID-19 resource page here »
ABOUT THEODORA STRINGHAM
tstringham@offitkurman.com | 703-745-1849
Theodora Stringham assists individuals, businesses, and organizations with growing successfully while minimizing liability. Focusing on real estate and personnel needs, Ms. Stringham executes sustainable plans for real estate development and employee matters. She provides comprehensive representation for everyday growth issues, including, but not limited to, re-zonings, site plan approvals, eminent domain/valuation concerns, employment discrimination, and disciplinary issues. Ms. Stringham’s scope of representation ranges from identifying potential liability and providing counseling/trainings, all the way through representation at trial.
ABOUT OFFIT KURMAN
Offit Kurman, a full-service AmLaw 200 law firm with offices throughout the East Coast and in Southern California, serves dynamic businesses, individuals and families. Founded in 1987, the firm’s 280+ attorneys counsel clients across more than 30 areas of practice. Offit Kurman helps maximize and protect business value and personal wealth by providing innovative and entrepreneurial counsel that focuses on clients’ business objectives, interests and goals. The firm is distinguished by the quality, breadth and global reach of its legal services and a unique operational structure that encourages a culture of collaboration.
