Remote Work Policy Checklist

A clear remote work policy prevents ambiguity about expectations, protects the company legally, and ensures remote employees stay connected and compliant. Check off every element your current policy covers to get a gap report.

Eligibility & Scope

Who can work remotely and under what conditions

Defines which roles are eligible for remote/hybrid workCORE

States that remote eligibility can be revoked for performance or role change reasons

Addresses geographic restrictions (must work from approved states/countries)

New hire remote eligibility policy (first 90-day in-office requirement, etc.)

Equipment & Workspace

Who provides what and what standards must be met

Clarifies employer vs. employee responsibility for equipmentCORE

Stipend or reimbursement policy for home office setup

Internet and phone reimbursement policy defined

Workspace ergonomics and safety standards addressed

Equipment return policy on termination specifiedCORE

Security & Data Privacy

Protecting company data outside the office

VPN use required when accessing company systemsCORE

Prohibited from working on public/unsecured Wi-Fi without VPN

Screen lock and device encryption required

Policy on working in public spaces (coffee shops, coworking) with sensitive data

Incident reporting procedure for lost/stolen equipment

Performance & Availability

Hours, response times, and output expectations

Core hours or overlap windows definedCORE

Response time expectations for messages/email

Camera-on policy for video meetings specified

How performance is measured (output, OKRs) vs. hours tracked

What happens when remote arrangements are not working — process for reverting to office

Legal & Compliance

Tax, labor law, and jurisdiction issues

Employee must notify HR before working from a new state or countryCORE

Time tracking requirements for non-exempt employees working remotely

Expense reimbursement policy for remote employees (California law requires this)

Remote work agreement signed by employee and manager on file

Remote Work Policy Score

Missing Items