3.1 Remote & Hybrid Work Policy

The organization supports a flexible work model, but this flexibility is strictly governed by the non-negotiable, fixed demands of the manufacturing operation. The policy ensures continuous coverage, protects the flow of physical production, and maintains the high-bandwidth collaboration required for complex system definition.

Role-Based Location Mandates

Flexibility is granted based on the specific function of the role, not individual preference. The workforce is categorized into three distinct location profiles.

On-Site Essential (100% Physical Presence)

Roles directly interacting with physical inventory, machinery, or immediate quality control cannot be remote. Furthermore, roles handling sensitive personnel or financial data require physical security.

• Production & Operations: Production Operators, Maintenance Technicians, Warehouse Staff, IQC/OQC Inspectors.
• Hardware Execution: Hardware Test Engineers (Bring-up/Validation), Rework Technicians. (Hardware testing is physically impossible to execute remotely with reliability).
• Administration: Human Resources (HR) (Mandatory for personnel privacy, interviews, and immediate staff support).
• Mandate: Physical presence is required for all scheduled shifts.

Hybrid Mandatory (Context Critical)

Certain leadership and definition roles require a deep understanding of the physical context and spontaneous, high-bandwidth communication that digital channels cannot fully replicate.

• Roles:
  • Leadership: Team Leads, Engineering Managers.
  • Product Definition: Product Owners (PO), Systems Analysts.
  • Engineering: Hardware Design Engineers (Schematic/Architecture), Mechanical Engineers (Design/Fit Checks).
  • Finance: Financial Controllers (Requires access to secure physical records and inventory audits).
• Mandate: These roles cannot be fully remote. Regular on-site presence (e.g., 3 days per week) is mandatory to maintain alignment with the factory floor reality ("Gemba"), facilitate complex problem-solving, and support team cohesion.

Remote Eligible

Roles focused on pure digital output or individual contribution may operate remotely, provided they adhere to time-zone synchronization.

• Roles: Software Engineers (Firmware/App/Cloud), PCB Layout Engineers (working from frozen schematics), Technical Writers, Data Analysts.
• Mandate: Remote work is permitted provided it does not degrade the core process. Personnel must still attend mandatory on-site syncs (e.g., quarterly planning) as defined by management.

Remote Environment and Risk

Personnel working remotely assume the responsibility for maintaining a secure work environment.

• Information Security: Remote networks must meet IT security standards (VPN usage, secure Wi-Fi). Work on public networks without encryption is prohibited.
• Hardware Prohibition: Remote handling of prototype or production hardware is restricted.
  • Rationale: Hardware bring-up and debugging require lab-grade ESD protection, thermal chambers, and calibrated oscilloscopes that cannot be replicated in a home office. Therefore, hardware testing is an On-Site Essential task.

Time Zone Overlap and Synchronization

To prevent communication latency in a global organization, working hours must be structured around collaboration windows.

• Core Collaboration Hours: Management defines a specific window of Core Hours based on the widest geographic time zone span (e.g., a 4-hour overlap between Vilnius and Shenzhen). All synchronous meetings must be scheduled within this window.
• Asynchronous Mandate: Work performed outside the Core Hours (e.g., by remote staff in different time zones) must be managed using the Async-First Manifesto. Handoffs must be documented and complete before the end of the day.

Final Checklist