Remote Working Policy Template
Free remote and hybrid working policy template for UK employers. Guidelines for working from home arrangements.
Use this template to create a remote/hybrid working policy.
Remote Working Policy
[Company Name]
Policy Owner: [HR Director] Last Reviewed: [Date] Next Review: [Date]
1. Introduction
1.1 Purpose
This policy sets out the framework for remote and hybrid working at [Company Name]. It establishes the expectations, responsibilities, and support for employees who work from home or other locations outside the office.
1.2 Scope
This policy applies to:
- Employees with formal remote or hybrid working arrangements
- Employees working from home occasionally
- Managers of remote workers
2. Types of Flexible Location Working
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Fully Remote | Work primarily from home with occasional office attendance |
| Hybrid | Regular split between home and office working |
| Occasional Home Working | Ad hoc home working as needed |
| Office-Based | Work primarily from the office |
3. Eligibility
3.1 Criteria
Remote working arrangements depend on:
- Role suitability (some roles require on-site presence)
- Business needs
- Employee request (via flexible working process)
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively remotely
- Suitable home working environment
3.2 Requesting Remote Working
Formal requests for regular remote working should be made through the flexible working request process.
Occasional home working may be agreed informally with your manager.
4. Working Hours and Availability
4.1 Core Hours
Remote workers must be available during core hours: [e.g., 10:00-16:00] unless otherwise agreed.
4.2 Flexibility
Within reason, remote workers may vary their start and finish times, provided:
- Core hours are covered
- Contracted hours are worked
- Work is completed to standard
- Colleagues and clients can reach you when needed
4.3 Communication
You must:
- Keep your calendar up to date
- Respond to messages within reasonable timeframes
- Attend scheduled meetings (virtually or in person)
- Inform your manager of significant absences during the day
5. Home Working Environment
5.1 Workspace Requirements
You must have:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Suitable workspace | Dedicated area for work |
| Appropriate seating | Suitable chair and desk |
| Reliable internet | Sufficient for video calls |
| Private space | For confidential calls when needed |
| Safe environment | Free from hazards |
5.2 Equipment
The Company will provide:
- [Laptop/computer]
- [Monitor if required]
- [Keyboard and mouse if required]
- [Other equipment as agreed]
You are responsible for:
- Internet connection
- Electricity and heating
- General workspace furniture (unless reasonable adjustments needed)
5.3 DSE Assessment
Before starting regular home working, you must complete a home workstation self-assessment. If issues are identified, we will discuss solutions.
6. Health and Safety
6.1 Employer Duties
We will:
- Provide guidance on safe home working
- Supply suitable equipment
- Complete risk assessments
- Address issues raised
6.2 Employee Responsibilities
You must:
- Set up your workspace safely
- Complete the home working self-assessment
- Report any health and safety concerns
- Report any accidents or incidents
- Take regular breaks
- Maintain work-life balance
6.3 Mental Health and Wellbeing
Remote working can affect wellbeing. Please:
- Maintain regular contact with colleagues
- Take regular breaks
- Set boundaries between work and home
- Raise any concerns with your manager
- Access our [EAP/wellbeing support] if needed
7. Data Security and Confidentiality
7.1 Security Requirements
When working remotely, you must:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Secure equipment | Lock devices when not in use |
| Password protection | Use strong passwords |
| Secure Wi-Fi | Use secure, password-protected networks |
| No public Wi-Fi | Avoid public networks for work |
| Screen privacy | Prevent others viewing screen |
| Document security | Secure confidential papers |
| Data disposal | Shred confidential documents |
7.2 Confidentiality
- Be aware of your surroundings during calls
- Do not discuss confidential matters where others can hear
- Store confidential documents securely
- Return all documents to the office or destroy securely
8. Communication and Collaboration
8.1 Expectations
- Use agreed communication tools [Teams/Slack/etc.]
- Attend team meetings (virtually or in person)
- Participate actively in team activities
- Be responsive during working hours
- Use video where appropriate for meetings
8.2 In-Person Attendance
Remote workers may be required to attend the office for:
- Team meetings and events
- Client meetings
- Collaborative work sessions
- Training
- [Other occasions as needed]
Reasonable notice will be given for required attendance.
9. Performance Management
9.1 Expectations
Remote workers are expected to maintain the same performance standards as office-based colleagues.
9.2 Management Approach
Managers will:
- Set clear objectives and expectations
- Hold regular 1:1 meetings
- Provide feedback on performance
- Address any concerns promptly
9.3 Monitoring
We trust employees to manage their time effectively. We do not engage in excessive monitoring. However, we may monitor:
- Attendance at meetings
- Response times and availability
- Work output and quality
10. Expenses
10.1 Company-Provided
The Company will provide necessary equipment as outlined in section 5.2.
10.2 Employee Responsibility
You are responsible for household costs (electricity, heating, internet) which are generally not reimbursed.
10.3 Travel
If your work location is primarily home, travel to the office for meetings [is/is not] reimbursable.
11. Insurance and Liabilities
- Ensure your home insurance covers working from home
- You are responsible for your home and its contents
- Company equipment is covered by Company insurance
- Report any damage to Company equipment immediately
12. Ending Remote Working Arrangements
Arrangements may be reviewed:
- At your request
- If business needs change
- If performance concerns arise
- If the role changes
We will provide reasonable notice of any changes to working arrangements.
13. Related Policies
- Flexible Working Policy
- IT Acceptable Use Policy
- Data Protection Policy
- Health and Safety Policy
Document Control
| Version | Date | Author | Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | [Date] | [Name] | Initial version |
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a remote working policy?
- If you allow or require remote working, a clear policy is strongly recommended. It sets expectations, addresses health and safety, covers data security, and helps avoid misunderstandings about working arrangements.
- What health and safety duties apply to home workers?
- Employers have health and safety duties for home workers, including risk assessment of the home workspace, ensuring suitable equipment, and addressing DSE (display screen equipment) requirements. The extent depends on the nature and duration of home working.
- Can I monitor remote workers?
- Monitoring must be proportionate, have a legitimate purpose, and comply with data protection laws. You must inform employees about monitoring. Excessive surveillance can damage trust and may breach privacy rights.