Remote Work Doesn't Mean Off the Grid: What Employers Need to Remember

"Working remotely doesn't mean working without rules." -April Simpkins-

In a post-pandemic world, remote work has shifted from a temporary patch to a permanent fixture. Companies are expanding talent pools, saving on office space, and boasting about work-life balance. But let's be clear: remote work doesn't exempt employers from responsibility or employees from accountability.

Remote workers are still employees. And that means the same workplace rights, protections, and obligations that apply to on-site staff extend to those working from their kitchen tables, guest rooms, or wherever the Wi-Fi is strongest.

10 Policies That Still Apply — Even from the Couch 

1. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Still Applies

   If an employee needs a reasonable accommodation, ergonomic equipment, modified work hours, or assistive tech, you're still on the hook, even if they're remote. The ADA doesn't pause just because someone is out of sight.

   
   

2. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

   Remote employees have the same rights to take intermittent or continuous leave under the FMLA. Whether they work from Boise or Brooklyn, they qualify if they meet the criteria.

   
   

3. PTO, Vacation, and Sick Time Still Count

   Just because someone's working from home doesn't mean they don't need time off. Policies around paid time off apply equally to remote workers—and yes, that includes taking a sick day even if you never leave your house.

   
   

4. Provide the Right Tools

   Employers are responsible for ensuring employees have what they need to do their jobs. That could mean laptops, ergonomic chairs, software, or internet stipends. Working remotely shouldn't require workers to outfit their own mini WeWork.

   
   

5. OSHA Doesn't Stop at the Office Door

   Yes, you're expected to provide a safe work environment—even remotely. That doesn't mean inspecting home offices, but offering guidance and resources on home office safety. If you provide equipment, it should meet safety standards.

   
   

6. Dress Code and Grooming Policies

   No one's expecting a three-piece suit, but if your policy requires professional appearance on client calls, that applies at home, too.

   
   

7. Privacy and Confidentiality

   That sensitive report shouldn't be discussed in a crowded coffee shop or shared over unsecured networks.

   
   

8. Drug and Alcohol Use

   Remote employees are still on the clock. That means the same standards for sobriety during working hours apply.

   
   

9. Visible Offensive Materials

   Remote employees may be at home, but still represent your company. Any visible banners, posters, books, or objects that violate company policy, whether due to nudity, offensive language, or drug promotion, should not be visible on video calls.

   
   

10. Remote Doesn't Mean Exempt

    Remote work's flexibility is a benefit, not a bypass. Employers need to treat it as an extension of the workplace, not a loophole in workplace law. Employees, in turn, need to treat their home workspace like an extension of the office.

    
    

The goal isn't to police people at home. It's to protect the integrity of the work environment, no matter where it happens. Remote or not, your people still need structure, clarity, tools, boundaries, and respect.

As I said in my latest podcast episode, remote work isn't the villain, but pretending it lives outside the rules absolutely can be.

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A Few Books Worth Reading

For Leaders:📖

• "Remote: Office Not Required " by Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson - This book explores the power of remote work and how to do it right. Practical, people-focused, and a wake-up call for micromanagers.

• "Leading from Anywhere: The Essential Guide to Managing Remote Teams" by David Burkus - This book offers strategies to foster trust, accountability, and connection without burning people out.

For Non-Leaders:📖

• "The Power of When" by Michael Breus - This book helps align your work schedule with your internal clock, perfect for optimizing solo remote work.

• "Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself" by Nedra Glover Tawwab. This book teaches how to separate work from life and life from Slack.

• "Work Clean" by Dan Charnas - This book teaches you how to build systems and mental clarity in your home workspace.

For Everyone:

Listen below to Episode 5. of my podcast: Unmuted: The Silent Struggles of Remote Work