Companies collectively save more than $44 billion each year by allowing remote work, even part-time. Working from home is convenient, and when managed properly, it can also save your business money.

However, as an employer, it’s not as simple as sending staff home. You must follow certain laws and regulations to stay compliant.

Have a Clear Telecommuting Policy

A clear work-from-home policy is essential. It doesn’t have to be part of the formal employee handbook—you can use a stand-alone document or even an email.

The policy should outline which roles qualify for remote work. Be careful not to choose employees based on gender, age, race, or any other protected category, as this could lead to legal issues.

Establish A Clear Policy for Communication

You need to establish a clear communication policy with your employees while they are at home. They need to know when they should be checking in for work and when there will be online meetings and conference calls.

If you are only going to have your staff working from home for a certain period of time you need to specify this in order not to set a precedent.

You also need to have clear confidentiality and data security protocols established in order to prevent sensitive information about your business from getting into the wrong hands.

Working from Home Laws About Payment

If employees earn a fixed salary, it usually remains the same after shifting to remote work. Overtime pay still applies, so you need reliable ways to track hours.

Employees also keep benefits such as vacation, sick days, and paid time off. Remember, employees working from home still have the same rights as those in the office, unless they are independent contractors.

Keep the Rules and Stay Safe

You are now aware of the working from home laws that you should follow in order to get the best out of the work at home experience for yourself and your employees. The biggest takeaway is that employees who work from home who are not independent contractors have many of the same rights that those working in an office have.

Be sure that you set out clear work from home policies and establish ways to check the amount of time that employees spend working. If you would like more legal help for your business, please contact us.