Support secure and compliant remote working with our free downloadable Remote Working Policy template.
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What is a Remote Working Policy?
A Remote Working Policy is a formal document that defines how employees can work securely and effectively from locations outside the traditional office. It sets out the rules, responsibilities, and procedures needed to protect business operations and data when staff are working remotely.
The policy helps support employees in understanding what is expected of them, especially in terms of maintaining data security, using company equipment, and following internal protocols. It also provides management with a consistent framework for approving and overseeing remote work arrangements.
By clearly outlining these expectations, a Remote Working Policy supports both productivity and compliance – creating a safer, more structured approach to flexible working.
Why Remote Working Policies Are More Important Than Ever
Remote and hybrid work are no longer temporary fixes – they are now a standard way of working across the UK.
As of June 2025, 40% of UK workers work remotely, including 14% who are fully remote and 26% on hybrid schedules. (Source: StandOut CV – Remote Working Statistics UK 2025)
Having a formal Remote Working Policy turns adhoc arrangements into a strategic advantage. It can help your organisation:
- Stay secure: Ensures all staff use safe networks and approved devices, reducing the risk of cyber attacks and data loss.
- Stay compliant: Embeds UK GDPR and employment law requirements into daily operations, making compliance easier to demonstrate and helping avoid costly fines.
- Avoid disputes: Clearly sets out who pays for home-office equipment and broadband.
- Boost productivity: Defines expectations for availability and performance, building trust and efficiency in remote teams.
- Attract talent: With one in three UK job vacancies now offering hybrid or remote roles, a clear policy strengthens your appeal to skilled professionals.
Without a formal policy in place, businesses leave themselves open to data breaches, reputational harm, legal penalties, and audit failures. That is why a clearly defined Remote Working Policy is essential.
Why This Matters for ISO Certification
ISO auditors and certification bodies expect to see well-documented processes for remote working – especially in security-sensitive environments.
Remote setups introduce unique risks – such as data breaches, network vulnerabilities, and reduced oversight – that ISO standards require you to identify, assess, and control. Using our Remote Working Policy template demonstrates risk-based thinking and a proactive approach to managing these challenges.
A clear, written policy also provides evidence of consistency, showing auditors that remote teams follow documented and repeatable practices.
This is essential for achieving or maintaining certifications under standards such as:
- ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems
Supports consistent processes and performance management for distributed teams. - ISO 22301 – Business Continuity Management Systems
Ensures continuity planning includes remote work capabilities for operational resilience. - ISO 27001 – Information Security Management Systems
Requires controls for secure remote access, device management, and data protection. - ISO 45001 – Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems
Requires measures to protect employee wellbeing, even in home or off-site workplaces.
Regardless of how your team works remotely – full-time, part-time, or on an ad hoc basis – a Remote Working Policy is a must-have.
Get Started Today
Our practical template supports businesses in taking a step toward a more robust, certifiable management system, whether your business is new to ISO or preparing for recertification.
Enter and submit your email below to download it for free today.
