Purpose

This policy outlines the expectations for attendance, availability, and communication for employees working remotely. The goal is to maintain productivity, collaboration, and a healthy work-life balance while respecting the flexibility of remote work arrangements.

1. Work Hours & Availability

• Full Time Core Hours: Employees are expected to be available during core hours of 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM [IST], Monday through Friday, for team meetings, collaborative work, and client communication. Outside of core hours, employees may set their own schedules.
• Part Time Core Hours: Employees are expected to be available during Monday through Friday, for team meetings, collaborative work, and client communication. Outside of core hours, employees may set their own schedules.
• Full Time Flexible Work Hours: Employees are allowed to set their own schedules but must meet the minimum requirement of 47.5 hours per week. Flexibility in hours is allowed, but work must be completed on time and to the expected quality standards.
• Part Time Flexible Work Hours: Employees are allowed to set their own schedules but must meet the minimum requirement of 30 hours per week. Flexibility in hours is allowed, but work must be completed on time and to the expected quality standards.
• Time Zone Coordination: Employees working across multiple time zones should coordinate to ensure overlapping availability for team meetings, with a recommended 2-hour overlap during core hours.

2. Attendance and Punctuality

• Scheduled Meetings: Employees must attend all scheduled meetings unless prior notice is provided. If an employee is unable to attend due to illness or an emergency, they must notify their manager at least 2 hours before the meeting.
• Time Tracking: Employees who are remote workers must track their hours by reporting to your respective reporting team manager. For salaried remoteemployees, attendance will be measured by task completion and meeting deadlines.
• Workplace Presence: Employees are expected to be online and available during their scheduled work hours unless they have requested time off or are experiencing technical issues.

3. Leave & Time Of

Paid Time Off (PTO): Employees are entitled to 8 days of paid time off per year. PTO requests must be submitted via email to your respective reporting manager at least 14 days in advance.
• Sick Leave: Employees are entitled to 10 sick days per year. For unplanned absences due to illness or emergencies, employees should notify their manager as soon as possible, ideally within 2 hours of the start of their workday.
• Unpaid Leave: Any unpaid leave must be requested at least 14 days in advance, unless it’s an emergency situation. Approval will be subject to operational needs and manager discretion.
• Public Holidays

Indian Public Holidays & US Public Holidays
1. New Year’s Day – January 1 – General Holiday
2. Republic Day – January 26 – General Holiday
3. Good Friday – April 19 – Christians Reserved Holiday
4. Labour Day (India) – May 1 – General Holiday
5. Independence Day (US) – July 4 – General Holiday
6. Independence Day (India) – August 15 – General Holiday
7. Labor Day (US) – First Monday of September – General Holiday
8. Gandhi Jayanti – October 2 – General Holiday
9. Diwali – October 31 – Hindus Reserved Holiday
10. Thanksgiving Day – Fourth Thursday of November – Christians Reserved Holiday
11. Christmas Day – December 25 – General Holiday
12. Dussehra (Vijayadashami) – October 10 – Hindus Reserved Holiday
13. Eid-ul-Fitr – April 9 – Muslims Reserved Holiday
14. Eid-ul-Adha – June 5 – Muslims Reserved Holiday

General Holidays – 8
Reserved Holidays – 2(Christians), 2(Hindus), 2(Muslims) – 6
Important Considerations for Remote Employees:

• Overlap of Holidays: Since the US and India have different holiday schedules, it is essential for Indian employees supporting US operations to plan for overlaps like Thanksgiving, Labor Day which are important in the US.
• Adjust Work Hours for Key US Holidays: Indian employees may be required to adjust work hours during US holidays like Independence Day, Thanksgiving, or New Year’s Day when US offices are closed.
• Festivals: Indian festivals like Diwali and Dussehra may require additional leave days for employees to celebrate with family.

Suggested Leave Planning:

• For employees working across time zones, consider having a flexible approach on both Indian and US holidays to ensure good collaboration.
• Be mindful of cross-cultural celebrations, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, which may require some team-specific or project-specific coordination.

4. Communication Expectations

• Check-ins & Reporting: Employees are expected to provide a weekly status update to their direct manager by [day/time] outlining their tasks, accomplishments, and any challenges faced.
• Response Time: Employees must respond to emails, messages, and task updates within 4 hours during work hours. For urgent matters, employees should aim to respond immediately or within 1 hour.
• Meeting Etiquette: All employees should ensure they are present and prepared for meetings, with cameras on (unless agreed upon), and contribute to discussions.
• Communication Tools: Employees are required to use Microsoft Teams or specified communication platform for daily communication and project management software like Bigin & Trello to track tasks.

5. Accountability & Performance

• Task Deadlines: Employees are expected to meet deadlines, deliver high-quality work, and proactively communicate with their manager if delays or issues arise.
• Performance Reviews: Performance reviews will include an assessment of attendance, communication, and the timely completion of work.
• Non-compliance: Failure to comply with this attendance policy, including habitual tardiness, lack of communication, or unapproved absences, may result in a formal review and potential disciplinary action, which could include a written warning or termination.

6. Unforeseen Circumstances

• Emergency Absences: In the case of emergency absences (e.g., sudden illness, family emergencies, or technical failures), employees must inform their manager as soon as possible. If unable to work due to technical issues (e.g., internet
failure, power outage), employees must notify their manager immediately and work with the IT team(Edwin) to resolve the issue.
• Technology Issues: Employees are responsible for maintaining reliable internet and a functional workspace. In the event of significant technical issues, employees should contact IT support for assistance, and, if needed, work on alternative tasks.

7. Work-Life Balance & Mental Health

• Respecting Personal Time: Employees are encouraged to maintain a balance between work and personal life. While flexibility is granted for work hours, employees should respect their own time and not overextend themselves.
Communication outside of regular work hours should be kept to a minimum unless it is urgent.
• Mental Health Days: Employees are encouraged to take mental health days if needed. Employees should notify their manager at least 24 hours in advance if possible.

8. Policy Acknowledgment

By replying to the email with the above policy document, the employee acknowledges they have read and understood the Remote Workforce Attendance Policy and agree to abide by the guidelines set forth.