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Free remote work agreement template (Word)

Reviewed by Clausery editors · · 3 min read

An agreement between employer and employee setting expectations for remote/hybrid work: work location, hours, availability, equipment provision, data security, expense reimbursement and time tracking.

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A remote work agreement (or telecommuting agreement) sets out the ground rules for employees working from home or another remote location. It covers work hours, availability response times, equipment provided by the company, data security, expense reimbursement, health and safety.

A good remote work agreement protects company data (a major remote-work risk), clarifies expectations, and ensures both sides understand how performance will be measured.

What to include#

  • Employee and role. Employee name, role/title, manager; effective date; whether fully remote or hybrid (and expected in-office days).
  • Work location and hours. Approved remote work address; core working hours; expected response time for messages; time zone; overtime approval process.
  • Equipment and expenses. Company-provided equipment (laptop, monitor, phone), office stipend if any, internet/phone reimbursement, and who covers repairs/replacement.
  • Security and confidentiality. Secure internet connection, VPN, device encryption, handling confidential information, no-use-of-personal-devices rules, data breach reporting and return of equipment on termination.
  • Performance, leave and termination. How performance is measured (output-based), time-off requests, workers comp for home injuries, right to end the remote arrangement, and return of equipment on termination.

How to fill it in#

  1. Step 1: Set clear availability expectations

    Define core hours and response times so collaboration works across time zones.

  2. Step 2: Provide security training

    Pair the agreement with security training (VPN, phishing, physical device security).

  3. Step 3: Clarify equipment ownership

    State what equipment is company property and must be returned; who is responsible for damage/loss.

  4. Step 4: Address expense reimbursement

    Some states require employers to reimburse necessary work-from-home expenses; be explicit about internet, phone and office stipends.

  5. Step 5: Make it revocable

    Reserve the company right to end remote work or require return to office with reasonable notice; review the agreement periodically.

Employment agreement

Base employment contract this agreement supplements.

Employee NDA

Confidentiality obligations amplified for remote work.

Job description

Defines the role expectations measured in remote work.

Performance improvement plan

Used if remote performance slips.

Free HR letter templates

Full HR/employee template set.

Questions

Is remote work a permanent change?

It can be, but make it revocable with notice — business needs change.

Do I have to reimburse internet/phone?

Several US states (CA, IL, MA, MT, IA, DC, NH, PA, others) require reimbursement of necessary business expenses incurred by employees working from home.

Who is liable for injuries at home?

Workers compensation generally covers work-related injuries even when working from home; encourage a safe workspace.

Can I require in-office days?

Yes in most places — specify in-office days in the agreement or handbook.

Do I need to track hours?

For non-exempt employees you must track hours (including overtime) regardless of location; consider time-tracking tools.

Browse all templates →

These are general templates, not legal or tax advice. Have anything unusual reviewed for your jurisdiction.

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