What Can Businesses Do? Working While Not At Work
We all tend to leave aside the important to finish the urgent. Today, things have changed. Most employees work from home and aside from a couple of sensitive industries, there is not much “urgent” to do. So, why not focus on the “important”?
This is my proposal:
Self-audit your company’s I-9s, if you are still at the office or use electronic I-9s. While not required by law, an employer may conduct an internal audit of Forms I-9 to ensure ongoing compliance. Please remember that the standard for reviewing Form I-9 documentation during an internal audit does not change from the standard applied during the initial employment eligibility verification process. https://www.justice.gov/crt/file/798276/download
Review your practices and policies, of particular interest to HR and Legal departments are
Discrimination. The employer should at least have a set policy against discrimination for the classifications as enforced by the EEOC. In addition, the employer can further the list by adding types not protected under the law, but which the employer deems need protection. https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/
Harassment. A policy document must contain clear and concise procedures for an employee to cause the employer to start an investigation on the issue, including alternate paths in case one is the source of the harassment. https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/harassment.cfm
Cybersecurity. Many insurance companies offer cybersecurity and data protection advice, as well as materials and webinars on implementing preventive and protective plans. Check your business policy, it may include some information or give you some hints.
Use of company electronic equipment. It is helpful to provide employees with company policy to ensure the proper use of and to clarify the permissible and prohibited uses of a company's information systems resources and services by its employees and other authorized users.
Social media. The use of Social Media presents risks and carries with it responsibilities. Employees should not use Social Media to harass, threaten or make false statements. Neither should they use it to divulge private or confidential information. On the other hand, the employer cannot limit an employee’s right to Free Speech.
Privacy. Linked with the item above, comes privacy. Different countries have different regulations, but these may spill out to suppliers and vendors in different jurisdictions. It will provide at least a large amount of good reading.
Other ideas to make good use of company time:
Check the Company’s memberships, perhaps you belong to organizations that offer free webinars for employees of members
Set virtual rooms and carry out internal training sessions led by employees with expertise in different areas
Set virtual rooms for team building activities that provide challenges, ideas, and support