Are DOL Posters Still Required with Employees Working at Home? Plus More Rules & Guidance

The change to remote working creates a whole new set of challenges to support and stay connected with the remote workforce — you want to maximize stability. And let's not overlook the necessity of poster compliance. Here are some rules and recommendations:

Keep an eye on safety. What would happen if a remote employee is injured while taking a coffee break or walking to their bathroom at home? They can indeed seek workers' compensation benefits in many cases. Laws and court rulings are subtle and complex, but you can do your part by encouraging a safe workspace.

DOL Posters Are Still Required

Even in a work-at-home environment, you must keep employees apprised of their rights. For full-time telecommuters, employers aren't required to post federal and state law posters in home offices. However, you're responsible for ensuring telecommuters have access to the posters — post the relevant ones on your intranet. However, this does not relieve employers of a physical posting in their offices.

Poster rules are especially important regarding the latest one from the Labor Department: "Employee Rights: Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family and Medical Leave under The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)." It describes the COVID-19-related paid-leave rules. As with other posters, this one should be displayed in the company's office, and on an intranet for remote workers. The DOL has provided a FAQ page for the new poster, which is available through us at ECCA Payroll / Benefit Providers.

Poster regulations can be complex, and state laws may also come into play. Contact us at 703-370-2226 for assistance in getting your posters.

Look at the Big Picture

It's vital to maintain perspective throughout this shift. Not all homes are ideal workspaces. Team members will expect frequent updates as you communicate in real time. Working well remotely requires writing things down. Aim to funnel communication into as few places as possible to reduce silos and fragmentation.

Flexible work options will become increasingly important in the future. Consult us for the practical and regulatory details.

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