The No-Policy Policy

Like most offices, HMA Public Relations has a few rules and procedures we must all follow.  There are, of course, those that are outlined in our employee handbook and there are those that we’ve created over time.
But one common workplace policy that we have shied away from is an official “work-from-home” policy.  Not because we don’t give our team the flexibility to work from home when needed, but more because once a policy is created, it must be enforced. A policy “is a set of ideas or plans that is used as a basis for making decisions, especially in politics, economics, or business.”

A more flexible work-from-home “policy”

So rather than have a specific policy that outlines what days can be flex days, how long you have to be employed before the policy takes effect or how much advance notice must be given before said work-from-home day, we keep it open-ended.
So when the repairman gives you the infamous 4-hour window for service, feel free to work from home while you wait.  If your first meeting of the day is near your house, work from home for that hour or two, no sense in back-tracking across town.
Or as is the case for me this week, your sister had foot surgery and is unable to get around for a couple weeks, so you set-up the office at her dining room table in Glendale, Calif., and work from there for the week.

Create your own policies

Every workplace is different and certainly different policies apply.  In our case, being flexible on this one works best for us.   As long we know where you are, can reach you if we need to, then our no-policy policy will stand.