Employment Template
Free Remote Work Agreement Template
A remote work agreement establishes expectations for employees working outside the office.
Template
Copy this markdown, replace the {{variables}}, and send via API.
# Remote Work Agreement
**Employee:** {{employeeName}}
**Company:** {{companyName}}
**Date:** {{date}}
## Work Location
{{workLocation}}
## Schedule
{{workSchedule}}
## Equipment
{{equipmentProvided}}
## Communication
{{communicationExpectations}}
## Data Security
Employee agrees to maintain secure workspace and follow company data protection policies.
## Expenses
{{expensePolicy}}
## Termination of Remote Work
Company may require return to office with {{noticePeriod}} notice.Send for e-signature
curl -X POST https://signb.ee/api/send \
-H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{
"content": "YOUR_RENDERED_MARKDOWN",
"senderName": "Your Name",
"senderEmail": "you@company.com",
"recipientName": "Recipient",
"recipientEmail": "recipient@email.com"
}'What happens next
- Signbee converts the markdown to a professional PDF
- Recipient gets an email with a signing link
- Both parties sign with an animated handwriting signature
- Both receive the signed PDF with a SHA-256 certificate
All signatures are legally binding under the ESIGN Act, eIDAS, and ECA.
More details
Remote work agreements became essential during the pandemic and remain critical as hybrid and fully remote arrangements are now permanent fixtures of the modern workplace. A well-drafted agreement prevents disputes about availability, expenses, data security, and the company's right to recall employees to the office.
Why a separate remote work agreement (not just a clause in the employment contract): - Flexibility: Remote arrangements may change (fully remote to hybrid, or vice versa). A standalone agreement can be updated without renegotiating the entire employment contract. - Specificity: Remote work introduces unique issues (home office expenses, data security, cross-border tax implications) that don't fit naturally in a standard employment contract. - Revocability: Many companies reserve the right to end remote work arrangements. A separate agreement makes this right clearer and easier to exercise.
Critical clauses for remote work agreements: 1. Work location — Specify the approved work location(s). Working from a different state or country creates tax, employment law, and insurance complications. Many companies prohibit working outside the home country without prior approval. 2. Schedule and availability — Core hours when the employee must be reachable vs. flexible hours they can structure independently. Time zone expectations for distributed teams. 3. Equipment and expenses — Who provides the laptop, monitor, desk, and chair? Who pays for internet and electricity? Some jurisdictions (e.g., California) require employers to reimburse necessary business expenses. 4. Data security — VPN requirements, approved devices, encryption standards, physical security of devices, and restrictions on public Wi-Fi usage. The company's data protection obligations don't change because the employee is at home. 5. Health and safety — Employers may still have duty-of-care obligations for home workspaces. Some companies require employees to self-certify that their home office meets basic ergonomic and safety standards. 6. Communication tools — Required platforms (Slack, Teams, Zoom), response time expectations, and meeting attendance requirements. 7. Return to office — The company's right to require return with specified notice (typically 30-90 days). Without this clause, courts may treat remote work as a permanent contractual right.
Cross-border pitfalls: Employees working remotely from another country may trigger permanent establishment tax obligations, require local employment contracts, and be subject to different labour laws. Always get legal advice before approving international remote work.
Frequently asked questions
Is a remote work agreement legally required?
Not in most jurisdictions, but it's strongly recommended. Without a written agreement, remote work arrangements may become implied contractual rights that are difficult to revoke. The agreement also clarifies expense reimbursement obligations, which are legally required in some states (e.g., California).
Can a company force remote employees back to the office?
Generally yes, if the remote work agreement includes a return-to-office clause with reasonable notice. Without such a clause, employees may argue that remote work has become a contractual right. Include a clear revocability provision with a notice period (typically 30-90 days).
Can remote work agreements be signed electronically?
Yes. Remote work agreements are valid with electronic signatures under ESIGN (US), eIDAS (EU), and ECA (UK). E-signing is particularly appropriate for remote agreements — the employee can sign from their home office without coming to the office.
Related resources
Send this template for signing — free, no credit card.