Sample Telecommuting Policy

TELECOMMUTING POLICY
[EMPLOYER NAME] may allow employees to telecommute (work remotely or work from home). This policy applies to employees permitted to telecommute on a regular basis. This policy does not apply to requests for reasonable accommodation [or occasional work from home arrangements, such as in instances of inclement weather]. [Employees requesting to telecommute as a reasonable accommodation should follow [EMPLOYER NAME]’s procedures on requests for reasonable accommodation.]
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Eligibility
After [the Introductory Period/[NUMBER] days of employment], [full-time] employees are eligible to apply to telecommute. All telecommuting arrangements must be approved in advance by [EMPLOYER NAME]. Permission to telecommute is at [EMPLOYER NAME]’s discretion and can be withdrawn at any time.

Requests to Telecommute
After [the Introductory Period/[NUMBER] days of employment], [EMPLOYER NAME] will consider requests to telecommute from [full-time] employees.
A request to telecommute should be:
•	In writing.
•	Submitted to your direct supervisor and the Human Resources Department.
[A telecommuting request form is available at [LOCATION].]
[Upon receipt of your request, [EMPLOYER NAME] may [contact you for additional information/ask you to explain [why your job responsibilities are suitable for telecommuting/how you plan to stay in contact with your supervisor]].]
[[EMPLOYER NAME] may require employees who telecommute to report to work at [EMPLOYER NAME]’s office[s] [as needed/for office-wide meetings/once a month].]
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[[EMPLOYER NAME] May Approve Requests to Telecommute for a Trial Period
[EMPLOYER NAME] may approve a request to telecommute for a trial period[ of [NUMBER] days]. At the conclusion of the trial period, the telecommuting arrangement will be reviewed by [EMPLOYER NAME] and may be withdrawn or approved for a longer period of time.]
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[EMPLOYER NAME]’s Policies Remain in Effect
Employees permitted to telecommute must continue to abide by [EMPLOYER NAME]’s [Employee Handbook/all employee policies[ on the Intranet]][, including Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment, IT Resources and Communications Systems, and Workplace Safety[, and [OTHER POLICY NAMES] policies]]. [Failure to follow [EMPLOYER NAME] policies may result in discipline and termination of the telecommuting arrangement.]
[Employees are prohibited from [engaging in/performing] unauthorized work during their telecommuting work hours.]
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[Timekeeping
Nonexempt employees who are permitted to telecommute must comply with [EMPLOYER NAME]’s [Timekeeping Policy/payroll practices/[POLICY NAME]]. Employees must accurately record all working time.]
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[Written Telecommuting Agreement
When a request to telecommute is approved, you will be required to sign a written telecommuting agreement that explains:
•	Permission to telecommute can be withdrawn at any time.
•	The agreed-upon hours of work [and how hours will be recorded].
•	Expectations regarding how frequently you and your supervisor will communicate (for example, [daily phone calls/weekly status reports/in-office visits]).
•	Your responsibilities, including [safeguarding [EMPLOYER NAME]’s equipment and confidential information/consulting local tax and zoning ordinances that may impose requirements on you or impose limits on conducting business from your home].
•	Work space setup[, including ergonomics].]
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Equipment and Technology Support
[You will provide all furniture and equipment that you will need to telecommute. [EMPLOYER NAME] will not be responsible for any damage to your furniture or equipment.
OR
[EMPLOYER NAME] will provide the following equipment to employees approved to telecommute:
•	[Computer/laptop.]
•	[Cellphone/teleconferencing equipment.]
•	[Facsimile equipment.]
•	[Anti-virus software.]
•	[Office supplies such as paper or printer cartridges.]
[Any equipment supplied by [EMPLOYER NAME] is to be used solely by you and for business purposes only.] [You must comply with the IT Resources and Communications Systems Policy/[POLICY NAME].]
[[EMPLOYER NAME] will be responsible for repairing any [EMPLOYER NAME] equipment. However, you are responsible for any intentional damage.]
[You must return all [EMPLOYER NAME] equipment when the telecommuting arrangement ends.]
[[EMPLOYER NAME]’s technology support is available to assist employees who telecommute from [HOURS]. You can contact [EMPLOYER NAME]’s technology support at [[TELEPHONE NUMBER]/[EMAIL]/[WEBSITE].]
You agree that your access and connection to [EMPLOYER NAME]’s network(s) may be monitored [to record dates, times, and duration of access].]
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Security
[You are responsible for securing from theft any [EMPLOYER NAME] property.] Employees must use secure remote access procedures.
You agree to maintain confidentiality by using passwords[, locked file cabinets,] and maintaining regular anti-virus protection and computer backup. You will not download company confidential information or trade secrets onto a non-secure device.
You agree not to share your password with anyone outside of [EMPLOYER NAME]. If any unauthorized access or disclosure occurs, you must inform [EMPLOYER NAME] immediately.
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Expenses
[[EMPLOYER NAME] will reimburse the following costs:
•	[Cellphone/long distance telephone charges.]
•	[Internet access.]
•	[Electric bills.]
[EMPLOYER NAME] will not reimburse any additional expenses without advance [notice/approval].
OR
[EMPLOYER NAME] will not be responsible for any of the following costs:
•	[Cellphone/long distance telephone charges.]
•	[Internet access.]
•	[Electric bills.]]
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Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation does not apply to injuries to any third parties or members of the employee’s family on the employee’s premises. In the event of a job-related injury, you should report the incident to your supervisor as soon as possible[, following the procedures outlined in [EMPLOYER NAME]’s [Workers’ Compensation Policy/[INJURY REPORTING POLICY NAME]].
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Administration of This Policy
The [DEPARTMENT NAME] Department is responsible for the administration of this policy. If you have any questions regarding this policy or if you have questions about telecommuting that are not addressed in this policy, please contact the [DEPARTMENT NAME] Department.
[Employees Covered Under a Collective Bargaining Agreement
The employment terms set out in this policy work in conjunction with, and do not replace, amend, or supplement any terms or conditions of employment stated in any collective bargaining agreement that a union has with [EMPLOYER NAME]. [Employees should consult the terms of their collective bargaining agreement./Wherever employment terms in this policy differ from the terms expressed in the applicable collective bargaining agreement with [EMPLOYER NAME], employees should refer to the specific terms of the collective bargaining agreement, which will control.]]
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[Disclaimer of Restrictions on Employees’ Rights [Under the National Labor Relations Act]
[This policy is not intended to preclude or dissuade employees from engaging in [legally protected activities/activities protected by state or federal law, including the National Labor Relations Act] such as discussing wages, benefits, or terms and conditions of employment[, forming, joining or supporting labor unions] [, bargaining collectively through representatives of their choosing] [, raising complaints about working conditions for their and their fellow employees’ mutual aid or protection] or legally required activities.
OR
This policy is not intended to restrict communications or actions protected or required by state or federal law.]]
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[Acknowledgment of Receipt and Review
[I, _______________________ (employee name), acknowledge that on _____________________ (date), I received a copy of [EMPLOYER NAME]’s [NAME OF POLICY] and that I read it, understood it, and agree to comply with it. I understand that [EMPLOYER NAME] has the maximum discretion permitted by law to interpret, administer, change, modify, or delete this policy at any time [with or without notice]. No statement or representation by a supervisor or manager or any other employee, whether oral or written, can supplement or modify this policy. Changes can only be made if approved in writing by the [POSITION] of [EMPLOYER NAME]. I also understand that any delay or failure by [EMPLOYER NAME] to enforce any work policy or rule will not constitute a waiver of [EMPLOYER NAME]’s right to do so in the future. I understand that neither this policy nor any other communication by a management representative or any other employee, whether oral or written, is intended in any way to create a contract of employment. I understand that, unless I have a written employment agreement signed by an authorized [EMPLOYER NAME] representative, I am employed at will and this policy does not modify my at-will employment status. If I have a written employment agreement signed by an authorized [EMPLOYER NAME] representative and this policy conflicts with the terms of my employment agreement, I understand that the terms of my employment agreement will control.
OR
I, ________________________ (employee name), acknowledge that on ______________________ (date), I received and read a copy of [EMPLOYER NAME]’s [NAME OF POLICY][, dated [EDITION DATE]] and understand that it is my responsibility to be familiar with and abide by its terms. [I understand that the information in this Policy is intended to help [EMPLOYER NAME]’s employees work together effectively on assigned job responsibilities.] This Policy is not promissory and does not set terms or conditions of employment or create an employment contract.]

 
	________________________
Signature
________________________
Printed Name
________________________
Date]

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