4  Remote Work Expectations & Performance

4.0.1 Workspace & Conduct

  • Maintain a professional, distraction‑reduced workspace with reliable internet and backup (e.g., mobile hotspot).

  • You should be able to talk and listen easily on calls. Use noise cancelling headset/microphone as required.; ensure camera and mic work properly.

4.0.1.1 Additional Pointers:

  1. Use a neutral background and noise suppression for calls.

  2. Keep confidential work out of shared spaces; use a privacy screen if needed.

  3. Have a power backup plan (UPS/hotspot) if feasible.

4.0.2 Output‑Based Performance

  • Performance is measured on outcomes: delivery to scope, quality, timeliness, ownership, and collaboration.

  • Use OKRs(Objectives and Key Results) or project goals; update status weekly in the PM tool.

4.0.2.1 Additional Pointers:

  1. Define “done”: code merged, tests passing, docs updated, deployed if in scope.

  2. Track work visibly in the PM tool; avoid side work that isn’t on the board, in a doc, and/or linked on slack.

  3. Share risks early ideally with a proposed mitigation.

4.0.3 Availability & Boundaries

  • Use Focus/Do‑Not‑Disturb for deep work; respect colleagues’ focus time and off hours.

  • Take reasonable breaks and disconnect after your workday; discuss overload early.

4.0.3.1 Additional Pointers:

  1. Off‑hours replies are optional; no expectation of immediate response.

4.0.4 Work/Life Balance & Notifications

  • Find your balance: Everyone’s ideal work/life separation is different. Some prefer to respond to messages anytime; others need a clean break after hours. Figure out what works for you.

  • Articulate your boundaries: Once you know your preference, make it clear to your team (via Slack status, calendar blocks, or your POM). This helps colleagues understand when to expect replies.

  • Notification control: Configure your Slack to silence notifications outside your working hours. You should feel completely comfortable saying “I’m not at work. I will get back on this later/when I get to work” if the text is not really urgent.

  • Off‑hours freedom: Outside emergency windows, there’s no expectation to respond to work messages. Respect your teammates’ chosen boundaries as well.

4.0.4.1 Additional Pointers:

  1. Set Slack to “Do Not Disturb” or mute during your off hours; unmute when you start work.

  2. Block personal time (lunch, deep work, family time) on your calendar and protect it.

  3. During big deadlines or incident response, this flexibility pauses; communicate clearly when.

  4. If you find yourself burned out or overloaded, flag it early to your manager—don’t wait.

  5. Well-being is not negotiable; unsustainable pace harms both you and the team.

4.0.5 Productivity Best Practices

  • Prioritize the most impactful tasks first; keep a short daily plan.

  • Prefer async updates over standing meetings.

4.0.5.1 Additional Pointers:

  1. Limit WIP: try to focus on ≤2 active tasks at a time.

  2. Plan weekly: pick 3 top outcomes for the week and review on Friday.

  3. Use checklists for recurring tasks to reduce cognitive load.

4.0.6 Security Practices

  • Screen‑share Safety: Close unrelated windows; disable desktop notifications before sharing; keep only necessary tabs open.

  • Visitors & Privacy: Avoid client calls from public/shared spaces. Be mindful of names or secrets visible on screen.

  • Quality Gates: Define acceptance criteria before starting; merge only with green tests and updated docs.

  • Metrics (illustrative): Cycle time, deployment frequency, change failure rate, and escaped‑defects trend—review monthly.