Snow in North Carolina? Time to Review Your Workplace Weather Policy!

Snow in North Carolina?

Time to Review Your Workplace Weather Policy!

If you live in North Carolina, you know that when snow falls, everything changes—schools close, roads become tricky, and businesses have to figure out what to do next. Last night, many of us in NC woke up to a rare sight: snow covering our lawns, rooftops, and cars. For some, it was a beautiful winter wonderland, but for businesses, it was a reminder of why having a solid weather policy is so important.

As an HR professional, I’ve seen the confusion bad weather can bring to workplaces. Employees wonder if they should come in, managers scramble to make decisions, and business owners worry about safety, productivity, and legal risks. So, let’s talk about how to create (or improve) a weather policy that keeps everyone safe and on the same page.

1. Prioritize Employee Safety First

The number one rule for any weather policy? Safety comes first. If roads are dangerous, you don’t want employees risking their lives to come to work. North Carolina isn’t used to heavy snow, which means we don’t have the same road treatments as places up north. A little ice here can cause major problems.

✅ Best Practice:

• Use local weather alerts (like the National Weather Service) to make informed decisions.

• Have a clear system for letting employees know if your business is closing, delaying, or staying open.
  

🚫 What to Avoid:

• Waiting until the last minute to decide—employees need time to plan. Some employees live farther away, rely on public transportation, or have children whose schools or daycares may be closed. If they do not get clear instructions in time, they might scramble to make last-minute arrangements or be forced to call out unexpectedly.

• Expecting everyone to figure it out on their own. This leads to confusion, safety risks, and inconsistent decision-making. If employees don't know what is expected, some may take unnecessary risks by driving on dangerous road when they shouldn't. Also, if an employee gets into an accident trying to come to work because they felt they had not choice, it could lead to liability issues for the employer.

2. Be Clear on Pay and Remote Work Options

One of the biggest questions in bad weather is: Will employees still get paid if they can’t come in?

✅ Best Practice:

• If your business can operate remotely, let employees work from home during bad weather.

• Be upfront about whether bad weather days are paid or unpaid.

• Consider offering PTO (paid time off) for weather-related absences.

🚫 What to Avoid:

• Punishing employees for not coming in when roads are unsafe. When employers insist that employees come to work despite hazardous conditions, they put their staff at risk and expose themselves to potential liability.

• Assuming employees will automatically work from home without setting expectations. Assuming employees will just figure it out leads to confusion and lost productivity. Not all employees have the tools to work remotely. Some may lack reliable internet, a company laptop, or even access to essential files. Without preparation, employees cannot be expected to work from home effectively.

3. Plan for Essential Workers

Some businesses—like hospitals, emergency services, and essential retail stores—can’t just shut down when it snows. If your business must stay open, your weather policy should explain:

✅ Best Practice:

• Who is considered an essential worker and what their expectations are.

• Establish a reporting protocol for employees who can't make it in safely (e.g. hotline or designated contact person).

• Whether hazard pay is available for employees working in dangerous conditions.

• Safe transportation options if roads are bad.

🚫 What to Avoid:

• Assuming employees will figure it out. Make sure they know the plan before bad weather hits. When bad weather strikes, essential works shouldn't have to guess whether they need to report to work, how they will get there, or what happens if they can't safely commute. A lack of clear guidance can result in staffing shortages, safety risks, and legal liability.

4. Communicate Clearly and Consistently

The biggest mistake businesses make? Not communicating their weather policy in advance.

✅ Best Practice:

• Have a set process for how you’ll notify employees about closures or delays. (Email? Text? Company website?)

• Review and update your weather policy every year.

• Make sure employees know where to find the policy (in the handbook, online, etc.).

🚫 What to Avoid:

• Leaving employees confused about expectations. A weather policy is only effective if employees know about it, understand it, and can easily access it when needed. Poor communication leads to confusion, frustration, and operational chaos during severe weather.

5. Think Beyond Snow – Cover Other Weather Events Too

North Carolina doesn’t get snow often, but we do get hurricanes, flooding, and severe storms. A strong weather policy should cover all extreme weather, including:

• Power outages

• Evacuations (especially for hurricanes)

• Extreme heat (for outdoor workers)

Don’t Wait for the Next Storm!

This snowfall in NC was a good reminder that weather can impact business in unexpected ways. Whether your company is big or small, having a clear weather policy helps employees feel safe and prepared.

If you’re a business owner or HR professional, now is the perfect time to review and update your policy. If you need help crafting a clear, legally sound policy, let’s talk! Keeping your workplace safe and running smoothly is always worth the effort.

Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the snow while it lasts!