Use this agreement to formalize individual homeworking arrangements clearly.

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Homeworking Agreement

Agreement Between:

Employer: [Company Name] [Company Address] [Company Registration Number]

AND

Employee: [Employee Name] [Home Address] [Job Title]

Effective Date: [Date]

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1. Purpose and Status

1.1 Purpose

This Homeworking Agreement sets out the terms on which [Employee Name] will work from home as part of their employment with [Company Name].

1.2 Status of Agreement

This agreement:

• Is a permanent variation to the employment contract (requires employee's formal consent)
• Is a temporary arrangement for [duration/reason] and can be terminated by either party with [notice period]
• Is a trial period for [duration], after which it will be reviewed
• Is discretionary and may be withdrawn by the Company with [notice period]

1.3 Contract Variation

This agreement forms part of the terms and conditions of employment and should be read alongside:

• Employment contract
• Staff handbook
• Remote Working Policy
• IT Acceptable Use Policy
• Data Protection Policy

In case of conflict, this agreement takes precedence regarding homeworking arrangements.

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2. Homeworking Arrangement

2.1 Work Pattern

Primary work location: [Home address / Hybrid - see below]

Working pattern:

• Full-time home-based: All contracted hours worked from home
• Hybrid: [X] days per week in office, [Y] days at home
• Flexible: Office attendance as agreed with manager (minimum [X] days per month)

If hybrid, office days are:

• Fixed days: [e.g., Mondays and Wednesdays]
• Flexible: Agreed weekly with manager
• As required for meetings/events

2.2 Working Hours

Contracted hours remain: [X] hours per week, [days/times]

Core working hours (when you must be available): [e.g., 10am - 4pm]

Flexibility: [Detail any flextime arrangements]

2.3 Home Address

Approved homeworking location: [Full address]

You must notify the Company immediately if you change your home address. The Company reserves the right to reassess suitability of the new location.

2.4 Working from Other Locations

Working from locations other than your registered home address requires prior approval from your manager.

[If applicable:] You may work from [other specified location, e.g., "anywhere in the UK" / "only from registered address"]

2.5 Right to Change Arrangement

The Company reserves the right to:

• Require you to return to office working with [X weeks'] notice
• Vary the hybrid arrangement due to business needs
• Suspend homeworking temporarily if business critical
• Terminate this agreement if [specify circumstances]

You may request changes to this arrangement through the Flexible Working Request procedure.

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3. Workspace and Equipment

3.1 Home Workspace

You must provide a suitable workspace at home that:

• Has adequate space for your work
• Is adequately lit and ventilated
• Has suitable furniture (desk/chair)
• Is free from hazards
• Allows confidential work to be conducted privately
• Has reliable broadband internet connection

3.2 Equipment Provided by Company

The Company will provide:

Equipment	Item	Serial Number	Issued Date
Laptop	[Model]
Monitor	[Model]
Keyboard/Mouse
Headset
Other:

All equipment remains Company property and must be returned on request or on termination of employment.

3.3 Personal Equipment

[Option A:] You may not use personal equipment (PC, laptop, phone) for Company work due to security requirements.

[Option B:] You may use personal equipment if it meets Company security standards and is approved by IT.

3.4 Equipment Care

You must:

• Take reasonable care of Company equipment
• Use equipment only for work purposes
• Not allow others to use Company equipment
• Report damage or faults immediately
• Return equipment if homeworking ceases

Equipment is covered by Company insurance while at your home for work purposes.

3.5 IT Support

IT support is available during [hours]. For equipment issues:

• Contact IT helpdesk: [contact details]
• You may be required to bring equipment to office for repairs
• Backup equipment may be provided if repairs take [X] days

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4. Costs and Expenses

4.1 Broadband/Internet

[Option A:] You are responsible for providing and paying for home broadband. The Company does not reimburse home internet costs.

[Option B:] The Company will contribute £[X] per month towards home broadband costs.

[Option C:] The Company will fully reimburse business broadband costs (submit bills to [process]).

Minimum broadband speed required: [X] Mbps download, [Y] Mbps upload

4.2 Electricity/Heating

[Option A:] The Company does not reimburse household utility costs.

[Option B:] The Company will pay £[X] per [month/week] towards increased household costs.

4.3 Equipment and Furniture

[Option A:] The Company will provide all necessary work equipment. Personal furniture (desk, chair) is employee's responsibility.

[Option B:] The Company will provide/contribute up to £[X] towards home office furniture (desk, chair). Claim via [process].

4.4 Business Expenses

Normal business expenses (calls, travel, supplies) continue to be reimbursed per the Company's expense policy.

4.5 Phone Costs

[Option A:] Use your personal phone for business calls - no reimbursement provided.

[Option B:] The Company will reimburse business calls at [rate/method].

[Option C:] The Company provides a mobile phone/allowance of £[X] per month.

4.6 Tax Implications

You may be able to claim tax relief for homeworking costs. Seek independent tax advice. The Company does not provide tax advice but can provide [supporting letter/documentation] if needed.

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5. Health and Safety

5.1 Risk Assessment

The Company has a duty to assess health and safety risks of homeworking. You must:

• Complete the Homeworking Risk Assessment (attached)
• Update it annually or when workspace changes
• Report any hazards or concerns to [Manager/H&S Coordinator]

5.2 Display Screen Equipment (DSE)

If you use a computer for significant periods, you must:

• Complete a DSE self-assessment
• Arrange a DSE assessment if required (contact [H&S])
• Set up your workstation ergonomically
• Take regular breaks (5-10 minutes per hour)

5.3 Your Responsibilities

You must:

• Maintain a safe workspace
• Use equipment safely and as instructed
• Report accidents, near-misses, or work-related ill health
• Inform your insurer that you work from home (if homeowner/renter)
• Comply with any reasonable health and safety instructions

5.4 Accidents and Incidents

Any work-related accident or injury at home must be reported immediately to your manager and [H&S Coordinator].

The Company's Employers' Liability Insurance covers work-related accidents at home during working hours.

5.5 Right of Access

The Company reserves the right to visit your home workspace (with reasonable notice and your consent) to:

• Conduct risk assessments
• Inspect equipment
• Investigate accidents
• Address health and safety concerns

You may decline access, but this may affect the viability of homeworking.

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6. Data Protection and Security

6.1 Confidentiality

The same confidentiality obligations apply when working from home. You must:

• Ensure confidential discussions cannot be overheard
• Store documents securely
• Dispose of confidential waste securely (shred or bring to office)
• Lock your screen when away from your desk

6.2 Data Security

You must:

• Use only Company-provided devices for work (unless approved personal devices)
• Use secure, password-protected WiFi (not public networks)
• Not share login credentials
• Encrypt sensitive data
• Use VPN for accessing Company systems (if required)
• Report any data breach or security incident immediately
• Follow the IT Security Policy and Data Protection Policy

6.3 GDPR Compliance

When handling personal data at home:

• Process only necessary data
• Keep data secure (encrypted, password-protected)
• Do not share data with household members
• Dispose of data securely
• Report any breach to DPO immediately

6.4 Prohibited Activities

You must not:

• Download or install unauthorized software
• Use Company equipment for personal business
• Allow family members to use Company equipment
• Store personal data insecurely
• Use unsecured public WiFi for work

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7. Communication and Availability

7.1 Availability

During your working hours, you must be:

• Available via phone, email, and video call
• Responsive to messages within [X minutes/hours]
• Present for scheduled meetings
• Contactable on [Company phone/mobile]

7.2 Meetings and Collaboration

You are expected to:

• Attend virtual meetings with camera on (unless technical issues)
• Attend in-person meetings when required (with reasonable notice)
• Use collaboration tools ([Teams/Slack/etc.]) actively
• Maintain regular contact with manager and team

7.3 Communication Standards

Professional standards apply when working remotely:

• Appropriate dress for video calls
• Professional background (or use virtual background)
• Minimize background noise during calls
• Respond to communications promptly

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8. Performance and Management

8.1 Performance Standards

The same performance standards apply whether you work at home or in the office. You will be assessed on output and results, not hours at desk.

8.2 Supervision

Your manager will:

• Hold regular one-to-ones (minimum [weekly/fortnightly])
• Set clear objectives and deadlines
• Monitor work output (not hours logged)
• Provide feedback and support

8.3 Productivity Monitoring

[Option A:] The Company does not monitor your computer activity.

[Option B:] The Company uses [monitoring software] to track [specify what - e.g., hours logged, applications used]. This is explained in the IT Policy.

8.4 Working Hours Flexibility

[If applicable:] While you have core hours of [X-Y], you have flexibility to:

• Start/finish within [time range]
• Take breaks as needed
• Manage your schedule to accommodate [caring responsibilities/etc.]

However, you must ensure contracted hours are worked and results are delivered.

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9. Annual Leave and Absence

9.1 Annual Leave

Holiday requests are made and approved in the usual way. You should:

• Set "Out of Office" on email/calendar
• Update your status on [Teams/Slack]
• Hand over urgent work to colleagues

9.2 Sickness Absence

Normal sickness reporting procedures apply:

• Notify your manager by [time] on first day
• Call (don't email or text)
• Provide fit notes if absent 8+ days
• Participate in return-to-work interviews (virtually if needed)

9.3 Emergency Office Closure

If the office is closed (e.g., severe weather, emergency), you are expected to work from home unless you have taken leave or are unwell.

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10. Insurance

10.1 Employer's Liability

The Company's Employers' Liability Insurance covers you for work-related accidents while working from home during working hours.

10.2 Equipment Insurance

Company equipment at your home is insured by the Company. However, you must take reasonable care to prevent theft or damage.

10.3 Your Home Insurance

You should inform your home insurer that you work from home. This is usually acceptable at no extra cost, but you should check. The Company is not responsible for any impact on your home insurance.

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11. Termination and Review

11.1 Termination of Homeworking

This homeworking arrangement may be terminated:

By the Company:

• With [X weeks'] notice
• Immediately if business-critical
• If you breach terms of this agreement
• If your role changes such that office presence is required
• If performance or conduct issues arise related to homeworking

By you:

• By requesting to return to office working (with [X weeks'] notice)
• Through flexible working request procedure

11.2 Review Period

This arrangement will be reviewed:

• After [3/6] months (trial period)
• Annually
• If circumstances change significantly
• On request by either party

11.3 Return to Office

If homeworking ends, you will return to working from [office location] with the same contracted hours.

Equipment must be returned within [X] days.

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12. Signatures and Agreement

12.1 Employee Agreement

I have read and understood this Homeworking Agreement. I agree to:

• Comply with all terms set out above
• Maintain a suitable and safe home workspace
• Follow all Company policies when working remotely
• Notify the Company of any changes affecting homeworking
• Return equipment on request or termination

I understand that breach of this agreement may result in termination of homeworking arrangements or disciplinary action.

Employee signature: _________________ Date: _________

Employee name: [Print name]

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12.2 Employer Agreement

The Company agrees to:

• Provide equipment and support as specified
• Maintain health and safety obligations
• Treat homeworkers fairly and equally
• Provide clear objectives and regular feedback

Employer signature: _________________ Date: _________

Name and title: [Print name and title]

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Appendix A: Homeworking Risk Assessment

To be completed by employee and reviewed by manager/H&S

Employee: [Name] Address: [Home work location] Assessment Date: [Date]

Workspace Assessment

Area	Yes	No	Action Required
Is there a dedicated workspace?
Is there adequate space for equipment?
Is lighting sufficient?
Is temperature comfortable year-round?
Is ventilation adequate?
Is workspace free from hazards (trailing cables, clutter)?
Can confidential work be done privately?

Furniture and Equipment

Item	Yes	No	Action
Suitable desk at correct height?
Adjustable chair with back support?
Screen at eye level (top at/below eye level)?
Keyboard and mouse at comfortable height?
Adequate leg room under desk?

DSE and Ergonomics

Question	Yes	No	Action
Can you adjust chair height and back?
Are forearms roughly horizontal when typing?
Are feet flat on floor or footrest?
Do you take regular breaks from screen?
Have you had an eye test in last 2 years?

Other Considerations

Question	Yes	No	Details/Action
Reliable internet connection?			Speed: ___ Mbps
Smoke alarm fitted and working?
Home insurance informed of homeworking?
Any health conditions affecting homeworking?
Any manual handling required (lifting equipment)?

Identified Risks and Actions

Risk	Severity (H/M/L)	Action Required	Who	By When

Employee signature: _________________ Date: _________

Manager/H&S review signature: _________________ Date: _________

Actions completed: [Date]

Next review date: [One year from assessment]

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Key Points Summary

For Employees:

• Maintain professional standards at home
• Keep your workspace safe and suitable
• Stay available and communicative
• Protect confidential information
• Return equipment if arrangements end
• Report any issues promptly

For Employers:

• Clarify terms and expectations clearly
• Provide necessary equipment
• Maintain H&S duties
• Review arrangements regularly
• Allow termination with reasonable notice
• Treat homeworkers fairly

Common Mistakes:

• Not conducting risk assessments
• Unclear about whether arrangement is permanent or temporary
• Not specifying equipment provision
• Forgetting about insurance requirements
• No clear right to terminate/review
• Not addressing data security