finder.com.au

Free Working From Home Policy templates (Australia)

Enjoy added flexibility in the workplace with a new policy.

Lily Jones
Lily Jones

Updated

Fact checked
Get legal help

We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!

With remote working on the rise, companies are adopting more policies that focus on working from home. But when should you use one of these policies? And how do you go about writing one?

We explore the ins and outs of creating a Working From Home Policy, so you'll feel more assured when it comes to writing up your own.

What's in this guide?

What is a Working From Home Policy?

A Working From Home Policy is a set of rules and regulations that clearly outline what is expected from remote workers i.e. employees who are typically based away from the office. As well as clearly defining an employer's expectations, it also addresses the circumstances in which employees can work from home, and the procedures in place to support them.

working from home policy template from Lawpath

Download this template at Lawpath

When should I use a Working From Home Policy?

A Working From Home Policy can be introduced for several reasons. For example, if:

  • You've employed a remote worker,
  • An existing employee requires more flexible working conditions,
  • Changes in circumstances require more employees to work from home.

Whatever the reason, a Working From Home Policy should be put in place before an employee begins to work independently from the office. This way, all parties involved will understand expectations and procedures from the beginning.

Working From Home Policy vs Remote Work Agreement

A Working From Home Policy and a Remote Work Agreement can both be used to regulate and manage employees that work away from the office.

While a Working From Home Policy addresses the team across the business, a Remote Work Agreement tends to be specific to an individual and their circumstances. As well as general expectations and rules, a Remote Work Agreement will also specify details such as an employee's salary, their work duties and obligations.

What does a Working From Home Policy include?

Along with outlining the rights and responsibilities of an employee when they work from home, a Working From Home Policy should also address how an employee can start to work at home and any processes that will facilitate the move to remote working.

While there may be no legal obligations regarding what to include in a Working From Home Policy, here are a few things to consider:

  • Who is eligible to work from home?
  • Is there an approval process for working from home?
  • What are the working hours?
  • How can employees log their work hours?
  • What communication channels should remotely based employees use?
  • Are any expenses available to employees for setting up their home office?
  • How can you ensure the health and safety of your employees who are working at home?

How effective is a Working From Home Policy?

A Working From Home Policy helps your employees to be as successful as possible while working out of the office. It can be an effective tool in providing remote employees with more structure and creating a productive working environment.

Do I need a lawyer for a Working From Home Policy?

Strictly speaking, a lawyer isn't essential for writing up a Working From Home Policy. It can be useful, however, to have a legal professional look over your final document to prevent any misunderstandings or issues with employees further down the line.

Data indicated here is updated regularly
Name Product What's offered? Starting price to become a member Annual Fee from Any free legal documents?
Lawpath
Lawpath
Legal documents and templates, Access to lawyers, Legal guides, Legal advice
$79 per month (billed monthly)
Essentials: $288
You can view samples for free and you can create your first document for free.
Choose an annual plan from just $288 and get unlimited revisions to your legal or business documents. Plus, unlock exclusive partner offers.
Go to site
More Info
LawDepot
LawDepot
Legal documents and templates, Access to lawyers, Legal guides, Legal advice
$7.99 per month (prepaid for one year)
$59.88
You can view samples for free and you can create your first document for free.
Get free legal documents in five to ten minutes.
Go to site
More Info
Sprintlaw
Sprintlaw
Legal documents and templates, Access to lawyers, Legal guides, Legal advice
$699 (or choose a free template)
$699
Some documents are free to download. Get access to all documents with a membership.
Pick between a fixed-fee package from $99 and a 12-month plan that unlocks a host of membership benefits for $699.
Go to site
More Info
Legal123
Legal123
Legal documents and templates, Access to lawyers, Legal guides, Legal advice
Varies per template
N/A
No
Get legal templates for any business type in Australia.
Go to site
LegalVision
LegalVision
Legal documents and templates, Access to lawyers, Legal guides, Legal advice
$199 per month (bill monthly)
N/A
Some documents are free to download. Get access to all documents with a membership.
Your business can take advantage of unlimited lawyer consultations, fast turnaround times and free legal templates with LegalVision.
Go to site
More Info
Law Central
Law Central
Legal documents and templates, Legal guides, Legal advice
Free for the Silver membership
Gold: $99
You can view samples and create your own document for free with the Silver membership.
Go to site
loading

Compare up to 4 providers

How do I write a Working From Home Policy?

Working From Home Policies vary a great deal across different businesses and industries, with no two containing the same things.

When it comes to writing the right policy for your business, it's important to sit down and consider some key aspects of how you want this aspect of your business to run. You may want to think about the following:

  • Which employees are you happy to work from home?
  • What are your expectations regarding your remote workers?
  • How will you communicate effectively with employees working from home?
  • What measures will keep the business digitally secure when it moves outside of the office?
  • Will the business cover any additional expenses?
  • How will you ensure the safety of your employees who are working from home?

If you're not sure where to start when you're drafting up your policy, you'll find loads of information online including Working From Home Policy guidelines and templates. Here are where to find some.

  • Lawpath. An online legal resource featuring plenty of free templates. You can browse the Working From Home Policy in Australia for free, but you'll need to pay to customise and download it.
  • LegalVision. Users can access unlimited legal templates for a monthly membership fee, or a one-time fee. This includes a Working From Home Policy.
  • Wonder.Legal. Browse hundreds of legal templates on Wonder Legal for free. To download a Working From Home Policy, you'll be asked to pay a one-time fee.
Back to top

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy and Privacy & Cookies Policy.
Go to site