Remote Work Ethics is a Two-Way Street

The workforce never imagined a collective experiment in remote work, not until during the COVID-19 crisis. While many companies danced around the idea of telecommuting, it had never been adopted widescale with the traditional office paradigm still the dominant approach across industries. However, with an infectious pandemic, we were all forced to embrace change. Coming out of the other side of the tunnel, workplaces now face an entirely new set of work ethics issues.

Diligence and Accountability

Ideally, every worker takes their employment commitment seriously when hired and does his or her utmost to support the organization’s interest regardless of work location. This principle is based on the age-old concept of having a good character, a sense of responsibility, and discipline to not confuse personal wants with duties owed to another. However, remote work has fuzzed the lines considerably, especially given a person is literally working in their own private home where personal interests are paramount.

Life Balance Matters Even More

Ethical behavior in remote work comes with life balance and work productivity. However, these are difficult to achieve, given the various household distractions. Just because they are at home, companies can’t expect employees to be available 24/7 electronically, and employees need to be willing to dedicate the time and space to their work duties versus trying to mix everything up. At the same time companies need to do their part providing the equipment and tools to make work life happen remotely as well.  It is vital for companies to keep track of their employee’s needs and develop strategies to address the emerging ethical issues when working remotely. When employees can maintain life balance, they do far better with fewer temptations and challenges.

Note: The Knowledge Group continuously produces webcasts on this topic and other hot-buttons issues relating to Legal Ethics/Professional Responsibility to keep you ahead of the curve.