By Hazel Atkins | North Renfrew Times
Working from home has many attractions, and in recent years it has become easier to support in many job situations. However, as often happens, the lines between what is a right and what is a privilege become blurry.
People who got used to working from home in their pyjamas during the pandemic possibly now feel regretful about being expected to come to the office in person.
In Petawawa, clarity is being sought for town staff regarding the expectations surrounding remote work.
On Monday, November 25, Colin Howard, director of legislative services, addressed the question, proposing an amendment to the human resources corporate policies and procedures bylaw which would “outline expectations to be followed while working remotely.”
Acknowledging the many benefits of remote work, including lower stress, reduced absenteeism, and increased job satisfaction, Howard was quick to clarify that working remotely is not “a right or entitlement or term or condition of employment.”
“I want to make clear that if there’s something going wrong,” he said, “a supervisor does have the right to cease remote work.”
While the intention is always to have people in the office, sometimes certain exceptions can and should be made to allow people to work from home.
Approval will be needed from an employee’s supervisor on a case-by-case basis.
Council approved the amendment to the bylaw.
“Although remote work is a great thing to have as an option in our corporation, sometimes it does get abused, and it is good for us to be able to say it is a privilege, not a right,” Mayor Gary Serviss added.
