# Remote Work Policy

**Effective Date:** January 2024
**Last Updated:** March 2024
**Applies To:** All full-time employees

## Overview

We believe in flexibility and trust. This policy outlines expectations for remote work arrangements to ensure productivity while maintaining work-life balance.

## Eligibility

All full-time employees who have completed their 90-day probationary period are eligible for remote work. Some roles requiring physical presence (e.g., office management, hardware engineering) may have modified arrangements.

## Work Arrangements

### Fully Remote
- Work from anywhere within approved time zones
- No requirement to visit office
- Must attend quarterly in-person gatherings

### Hybrid
- 2-3 days per week in office
- Flexible scheduling with manager approval
- Core collaboration days: Tuesday and Thursday

### Office-Based
- Primary work location is company office
- Occasional remote days allowed with notice

## Expectations

### Availability
- Be available during core hours: 10 AM - 3 PM local time
- Respond to messages within 2 hours during work hours
- Block focus time on calendar if needed

### Communication
- Camera on for team meetings
- Update Slack status when away
- Share working hours in calendar

### Workspace Requirements
- Reliable internet connection (minimum 25 Mbps)
- Quiet space for video calls
- Ergonomic setup (we provide $500 home office stipend)

### Security
- Use company VPN for all work
- Lock computer when stepping away
- No work on public WiFi without VPN
- Report lost devices immediately

## Equipment

Company provides:
- Laptop (MacBook Pro or equivalent)
- Monitor (up to 27")
- Keyboard and mouse
- Headset for calls

$500 annual stipend for:
- Desk and chair
- Lighting
- Other ergonomic equipment

## Time Zones

### Approved Time Zones
- Americas: UTC-8 to UTC-3
- Europe: UTC-1 to UTC+3
- Asia-Pacific: UTC+8 to UTC+12

Work outside approved time zones requires VP approval.

### Async First
- Default to async communication
- Document decisions in writing
- Use Loom for complex explanations
- Reserve meetings for collaboration, not status updates

## International Remote Work

Extended stays (>30 days) in another country require:
1. HR approval
2. Tax implications review
3. Legal compliance check
4. Updated work agreement

Some countries are not permitted due to legal/tax complexity.

## In-Person Requirements

### Mandatory Events
- Annual company retreat (1 week)
- Quarterly team gatherings (2 days)
- Onboarding week for new hires

### Travel
- Company covers all travel expenses
- Book through approved travel platform
- Submit expenses within 30 days

## Performance

Remote work is a privilege maintained through:
- Meeting deadlines and commitments
- Responsive communication
- Quality of work output
- Team collaboration

Performance issues may result in modified arrangements.

## Manager Responsibilities

- Regular 1:1 meetings (weekly recommended)
- Clear goal setting and feedback
- Inclusive meeting scheduling across time zones
- Address isolation or burnout proactively

## Questions

Contact HR or your manager for questions about this policy. We review and update this policy annually based on feedback.
