Remote Work Policy

What is a remote work policy?

A remote work policy is an internal corporate document issued by the organisation or business operating in Australia that aims to clarify the legal framework for the remote and hybrid working arrangement at the workplace. A standard employee remote work policy template outlines the following:

• categories of employees to whom this policy applies;
• procedure for requesting working from home;
• organisation of remote work;
• reporting requirements of employees;
• supervision of the policy.

This policy is a popular legal document that helps Australian employers to quickly and easily create a ready-to-use remote work policy template for immediate application.

Why does your business need a remote work policy in Australia?

In Australia there is no single federal or state law obliging Australian businesses and employers to implement a remote work policy at the workplace. At the same time, many businesses prefer to have one for the following reason:

• defines clear eligibility criteria and requirements for remote work;
• ensures the employee’s safety and well-being are well protected even during remote work arrangements;
• clarifies the company’s internal procedure related to the approval, denial or supervision of hybrid work for employees;
• appoints the company’s staff responsible for the correct application of this policy by employees;
• protects the company’s equipment in a hybrid work arrangement against loss, theft or damage;
• ensures proper management of the company’s confidential information in a remote working setting, etc.

This policy is being used in conjunction with the Employee Handbook to create a solid legal framework for the establishment of remote working arrangements at the workplace.

What is included in the employee remote work policy template?

A remote work policy is a private corporate document that is subject to general principles of Australian contract law. It means that employers are not limited by a specific structure or a list of clauses the final document should include. Below, there is a list of key elements a standard remote work policy template must include:

Scope of Application

The policy must outline the list of job titles or categories of employees within the organisation who can apply for the hybrid work. Such a list can include full-time or part-time employees, casual workers, fixed-contract employees, interns, etc.

Some businesses may establish additional eligibility criteria employees must meet to be able to request remote working. The criteria may include duration of employment, specific reasons for remote work such as breastfeeding or earlier postpartum, relocation, etc.

Communication and Reporting Requirements

Clear and sufficient communication is a key in hybrid working arrangements. Therefore, the employee remote work policy should define the following:

• At home, employees must report about their working progress.
• How frequently such a report should be made;
• How exactly the reporting should be made.

Equipment and Expense Policies

If the employee receives any specific equipment for the performance of the work remotely, including laptops or mobile phones, the policy must provide additional guidelines regarding usage of such property. These guidelines shall include the following:

• How equipment should be returned after the end of remote work.
• What happens if equipment is damaged or lost?
• Which security measures employees must ensure while working remotely.

How to use this employee remote work policy?

Once the policy is drafted, the employer should take some time to carefully read it to make sure all data is accurate. After that the policy should be

• Dated & Signed. This policy must be signed by the company’s director, head of the HR department or other designated individual. If the company has a seal, the policy can be additionally sealed if so required by the company’s constitution or other internal documents.
• Acknowledged by Employees. The policy should be communicated to all employees to whom it applies. The company may choose to spread printed copies of the policy amongst employees to make them each sign it or to send a copy of the policy to the work email.
• Regularly Updated. In case there are major technical, economic or organisational changes within the company, these changes should be properly reflected in the text of the present policy. Therefore, it is important to review this policy on a regular basis.

What are the key benefits of using this remote work policy?

By customising this employee remote work policy template with FasterDraft, you receive the following benefits:

• a policy that promotes employees’ accountability in a hybrid work setting;
• a policy that complies with the Australian Fair Work Act 2009;
• a policy that clarifies mutual obligations and rights of the employer and employees;
• a policy that saves time and legal costs compared with drafting the document from scratch;
• a policy that is ready for instant usage immediately after the download.

How to customise a remote work policy with FasterDraft?

To get a fully customisable document, follow a few easy steps below:

1. Click the “Create Document” button.
2. Answer simple questions in the form.
3. Select a template’s format – the remote work policy template Australia PDF or Word.
4. Make a payment.

The document is ready for instant download immediately after the purchase.