Navigating Fair Policies for WFH vs. Office Employees During the Pandemic: How Do We Ensure Equality?

Policies for Employees Working from Home During the Pandemic

During this pandemic period, what policies need to be followed for employees who are working from home (WFH)? Will they be treated equally with those employees who are still working from the office, as they can't do their work from home? How will time off be managed for WFH employees? What about wages; should WFH employees be paid their full salary?

I have these questions as I do not want to create any discrimination between employees WFH and those working from the office (WFO). Employees working from the office have taken risks by coming to the office due to urgent requirements in order to avoid penalties, transport delays, audits, etc.

Could you please guide on how attendance and payment can be prepared?

Distinction Between WFH and WFO Employees

There has to be some distinction between employees who report for work despite all these odds against them and those who work from home (WFH). Certain allowances like transport/conveyance, uniform, and punctuality allowance need not be paid to those WFH. In the absence of such allowances or if such a distinction is not feasible, then give some sort of extra allowance to those who work from the office (WFO).

Work Hours and Pay for WFH Employees

The 8-hour shift and weekly off are for reporting at the worksite, but if one is WFH, then there is no 8-hour rule or weekly offs. There shall be no reduction in pay for the WFH category. All this will help in maintaining employee morale in these days of uncertainty.

The Importance of Rewards During the Pandemic

In this current pandemic situation, working from home is not a choice but a necessity for the well-being of everyone. In certain scenarios, if people are working from the office, they should get rewarded. Rewards are the key to motivation. If management recognizes and rewards them, it will create a huge impact on your whole team and organization. There are various ways to provide rewards and recognition; you can choose one as per your suitability.

Hope this will help. Take care wherever you are...