Creating a work from anywhere policy; Your free template

How to implement a successful work from anywhere policy.

Ready to let your team work from anywhere? You’re in good company. Businesses of all shapes and sizes are finding that giving people the freedom to work from wherever they want isn’t just about flexibility. It can also save money, increase productivity, and improve work-life balance.

But to get the best out of it, you’ll need a solid, clear working from anywhere policy. Here’s how to create your own using our free, easy-to-use work from anywhere policy template, from scope and eligibility to health and safety, and legal considerations.

What is a work from anywhere policy?

A work from anywhere policy is a set of guidelines that tells everyone how they can work remotely while still getting the job done. It sets clear expectations on the essentials like how to communicate, keeping data secure, and staying productive.

Having a policy helps everyone stay on the same page, which is key for keeping things running smoothly. Find out more in our what is a work from anywhere model?

How to write a work from anywhere policy

Think about your goals, what roles are suitable, the tech you’ll need, and any challenges you might face. Your policy will need to fit your specific business and location, but a solid foundation should include:

Purpose. Start with why you’re creating this policy. It might be to improve work-life balance, boost productivity, or tap into a wider talent pool. If the latter, discover how to onboard employees remotely.

Scope and eligibility. Be clear who the policy covers. Is it for everyone or just specific roles that don’t need to be in the office?

Working hours and availability. Do you need people to be available during certain core hours, or can they set their own schedules?

Communication channels. Specify how you expect everyone to stay in touch (email, instant messaging, video chats) and how quickly they should respond. Learn more about remote access tools.

Security. Outline how to keep documents safe and protect data. This includes cybersecurity, like avoiding public wi-fi and using a company VPN.

Discover more on staying safe online and cyber security for remote workers.

Equipment. What office equipment will you provide, and can people claim back the cost of any items they may need to buy? Remember to include what’s not covered, like utility bills.

Health and safety. Provide recommendations or requirements on setting up a safe and ergonomic workspace, including any available support you might supply.

Laws and regulations. Cover any legal requirements that might vary depending on location. Think working hours, annual leave, maternity pay, pensions and tax implications.

Support. Let your team know how to ask for support, whether that’s IT for tech issues or access to health and wellbeing resources.

Approval process. Explain how people can ask to work from anywhere, who’ll make the decision (and how), and a timeline.

Review procedure. Outline how often you’ll review and update the policy to ensure it stays up to date.

Compliance. Make sure everyone knows the rules and what happens if they don’t follow them so it’s fair and transparent.

Build your work from anywhere policy template

Download our free and simple-to-use work from anywhere policy template below.

How to implement work from anywhere

Rolling out a work from anywhere policy is a multi-step process needing careful planning and clear communication. Here’s how to do it:

Assess your needs: Decide if a work from anywhere setup makes sense for your business. Think about the type of work you do, your employees’ roles, your tech capabilities, and the potential benefits and challenges.

For more details, see our why your business should consider a work from anywhere model.

Collaborate: Developing your working from anywhere policy doesn't have to be a solo effort. Get your team’s input to ensure it meets their needs and expectations.

Create your policy: using our free work from anywhere policy template below

Communicate. Make sure everyone knows about the new policy and understands their rights and responsibilities. If needed, offer training so that everyone is comfortable.

Review and adapt: Once in place, keep an eye on how the policy is working. Get feedback from your team, monitor business performance and tweak it as needed.

A well-defined work from anywhere policy can set you up for success in today’s flexible work environment. With clear guidelines and ongoing support, you’ll keep your team happy and productive, no matter where they’re working from.

Questions about our work from anywhere policy template or need more advice? Speak to our team of expert advisers for more guidance.