Creating an inclement weather policy is a great way for businesses to start putting protocols in place that help protect their employees and, consequently, the business during extreme weather conditions. In today’s unpredictable climate, companies need more than just basic HR policies—they need proactive models that will increase workplace safety during bouts of extreme weather. A well-thought-out inclement weather policy makes it clear what workers are required to do in adverse conditions, who is responsible for authorizing absences due to bad weather, and how business operations might be affected by hazardous situations. But where do you even begin when drafting this type of strategy? Through this guide, Jay Holstine covers precisely that. Let’s get started!
Jay Holstine’s Guide To Creating An Inclement Weather Policy
According to Jay Holstine, an effective inclement weather policy should be both fair and consistent for all employees while also taking into account the safety and comfort of staff, customers, and any other stakeholders. Below are important considerations to keep in mind when creating an inclement weather policy:
1. Determine which events qualify as inclement weather. It is important to define what qualifies as “inclement weather” as it will serve as the basis for when your policy should be activated. Events that may constitute inclement weather include snow storms, lightning storms, hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters or extreme weather conditions.
2. Decide who is responsible for determining if a business needs to close due to inclement weather. The decision of whether or not to close a business due to inclement weather can be made by the owner, a manager, an authorized party, or in certain cases, the government.
3. Establish a protocol for communicating closures and delays. Once the decision has been made to close or delay opening due to inclement weather, it is important that all employees be notified as soon as possible. This can be done via email, text message, telephone call, or other forms of communication. Additionally, any customers who have appointments should also be informed regarding closures.
4. Set expectations for working from home/remotely during inclement weather events. If your business allows for remote work during inclement weather events, then it is important to clearly define expectations for employees. The policy should specify the amount of time allowed for remote working, communication protocols, and any other requirements that need to be met in order for employees to continue working remotely.
5. Establish a plan to handle emergency situations. In certain cases, inclement weather can cause emergency situations, says Jay Holstine, such as power outages or flooding. It is important to have a plan in place to address these types of issues in order to keep staff and customers safe during these events. This can include having an evacuation plan, access to safety equipment, and other measures that may be necessary depending on the type of situation occurring.
Jay Holstine’s Concluding Thoughts
No one knows what the weather will be like from one day to the next, which is why it’s important for businesses to have an inclement weather policy in place. By having a plan in place ahead of time, you can avoid disruptions to your business and keep your employees safe. Not sure where to start? Use this guide by Jay Holstine as a starting point for creating your own inclement weather policy.