A written telework agreement sets out where, when and how someone works away from the office. Federal employees must have one under the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010. For private employers it is good practice. The template below is a general starting point and not legal advice. Adapt it to your policies and local law.
Telework agreement template
Template
TELEWORK AGREEMENT Employee name: ____________________ Job title: ____________________ Supervisor: ____________________ Start date: __________ Review date: __________ 1. Arrangement Type: [ ] Regular/recurring [ ] Situational/ad hoc [ ] Fully remote Telework days: ____________________ Core hours when the employee is reachable: __________ to __________ 2. Telework location Address of approved location: ____________________ The employee will request approval before working from another location. 3. Duties and performance Duties, performance standards and expectations are the same as on site. Work that is not suitable for telework: ____________________ 4. Equipment and costs Equipment provided by the employer: ____________________ Equipment provided by the employee: ____________________ Reimbursed expenses (if any): ____________________ 5. Security and records The employee will follow the employer's IT, data protection and records policies, use approved devices and networks, and keep confidential material secure. 6. Workspace safety The employee will keep a safe workspace and report any work-related injury promptly. 7. Hours, pay and leave Hours of work, overtime approval and leave rules are unchanged. 8. Communication Tools and expected response times: ____________________ Days the employee must attend on site when requested: ____________________ 9. Changes and ending the agreement Either party may change or end this agreement with ____ days' written notice, subject to applicable policy or collective agreement. Employee signature: ____________________ Date: ________ Supervisor signature: ____________________ Date: ________
Checklist before signing
- Is the role eligible under the employer's telework policy?
- Is the schedule clear, including core hours and on-site days?
- Is the work location stated, including any state or country limits (tax and employment law can change across borders)?
- Who provides and maintains equipment, and are any costs reimbursed?
- Are IT security, data protection and records rules understood?
- Has the employee completed any required telework training?
- Are performance expectations identical to on-site work?
- Is there a review date and a notice period for changes?
- For federal employees: has your agency's own form been used?
Background: What is telework? · Federal telework rules