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MadyHR.ai Free Resources · USA

Free Remote and Hybrid Work Policy Template

A remote work policy answers the questions that cause friction: who can work from home, when they must be available, who pays for what, and how company data is kept safe.

Download free (Word .docx) Free · No sign-up · Opens in Microsoft Word and Google Docs · Last reviewed October 2026

Important: please read

This template is a free starting point, not legal advice. MadyHR.ai is not a law firm and cannot give legal advice. Employment law is different in every state, and some cities have their own rules. Laws also change. Before you use this template, check it against the laws where your employees work, and speak to an employment attorney or your state labor department if you are unsure. You use this template at your own risk, and MadyHR.ai accepts no responsibility for how it is used. Links to official government websites are given for information only; MadyHR.ai is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency.

When to use this template

  • Offering remote or hybrid work
  • Hiring employees in another state
  • Formalizing an informal work-from-home arrangement

Tips before you use it

  • Hiring someone who works in another state usually means following that state's wage, tax and leave laws for them.
  • Some states (for example California and Illinois) require reimbursement of necessary work expenses, which can include part of a home internet or phone bill.
  • Non-exempt remote employees must still record all hours and breaks.
Rules in your state may differ. Federal law sets the minimum. Your state — and sometimes your city or county — may add extra rules on this topic. Check with your state labor department before you use this template. Find your state labor office (U.S. Department of Labor)

Template preview

Replace everything in [brackets] and delete the notes for employers before you use it. The Word download contains the full template.

[Company Name]

Remote and Hybrid Work Policy

Eligibility

Remote or hybrid work is available for roles that [describe eligible roles], with approval from [Manager Name or Title]. Remote work is a business arrangement that may be changed or ended by [Company Name].

Work location

You must work from the location on file with [HR Contact Name]. Tell us before you move or work from another state for more than [Number] days, because it may affect tax and legal requirements.

Hours and availability

Your core hours are [Core Hours] in [Time Zone]. Non-exempt employees must record all hours worked and breaks, and must not work outside approved hours without permission. Any time you do work will be recorded and paid.

Equipment

[Company Name] will provide [List of Equipment]. Company equipment remains company property and must be returned when you leave or stop working remotely.

Expenses

[Company Name] will reimburse [describe covered expenses] in line with the expense reimbursement policy and any state law that applies.

Security and confidentiality

  • Use only approved devices and software for company work.
  • Use a secure, password-protected network.
  • Lock your screen when away and keep confidential documents out of view.

Safety

Keep your workspace safe and report any work-related injury to [Manager Name or Title] right away.

This policy is not a contract of employment and does not change the at-will nature of employment with [Company Name]. [Company Name] may change this policy at any time, and will apply it in line with federal, state and local law.

I have received and read this policy, and I understand it.

Employee
Signature
Date

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay for a remote employee's internet?

Federal law does not generally require it, as long as unreimbursed expenses do not push a non-exempt employee's pay below minimum wage. Some states do require reimbursement of necessary work expenses, so check your state.

Which state's laws apply to a remote worker?

Usually the laws of the state where the employee actually works. Hiring in a new state often means registering there for payroll taxes and following its wage and leave rules.

Official sources

Each source below is an official U.S. government website. Check them for the latest rules.

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