A remote work policy is the handbook section that turns an arrangement into rules that can be applied the same way to everyone: which roles are eligible and how it is requested; the hours and availability expected and how hours are recorded for non-exempt staff; the equipment provided, who insures it and how it is returned; data security at home; what expenses are covered; and how the arrangement is reviewed or ended. The employee handbook template on this site prints the section from your rules, free and without an account.
Eligibility and request
Which roles can work remotely, whether fully or on set days, how it is requested and approved, and that it is an arrangement rather than a right unless the contract says otherwise. Stated, so two people in the same role are treated the same way.
Hours, availability and the record
Core hours when the person is reachable, how the working day is recorded for hourly staff, and the overtime rule unchanged: hours worked over forty in the workweek at time and one-half on the DOL page cited below. The PTO and overtime calculator on this site is the arithmetic.
Equipment, security, expenses
What the company provides and what it expects returned, in what condition; who insures it; the security rules for company data on home networks and devices; what home expenses, if any, are reimbursed and on what evidence. The expense policy in the handbook applies, and this section says how.
Review and ending
How often the arrangement is reviewed, on what grounds it can be changed or ended by either side, and the notice. HeadcountDesk Pro keeps the policy version with each acknowledgment. From the vendors' own pricing pages, cited below: Homebase lists its Essentials plan at $30 per location per month billed monthly or $24 billed annually, with unlimited employees, and a Basic plan at $0 for one location with up to 10 employees; BambooHR starts at $10 per employee per month for Core and $17 for Pro; Deputy's Core plan is $6.50 per user per month. HeadcountDesk Pro is $24 per month per location.
Questions people ask about remote work policy
Should remote staff have a different contract?
The contract can carry the arrangement or refer to the policy; the employee contract tool on this site prints either.
Do remote hourly staff need timesheets?
Yes, and the policy says how hours are recorded.
Is the template free?
Yes, without an account.