Remote and hybrid working have become a permanent fixture in the U.S. workplace.
As of 2025, around 22–23% of U.S. employees work remotely at least part of the week, with approximately 13% fully remote and 26% hybrid (Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025, Global Statistics Report, 2025).
For U.S. organizations, a formal Remote Working Policy turns adhoc arrangements into a competitive advantage. It can help your business:
- Stay secure: Mandate the use of secure VPNs and multifactor authentication to protect against cyberattacks on home and public networks.
- Protect devices and data: Enforce standard device management and encryption practices to reduce the risk of loss or theft.
- Support compliance: Embed federal and state privacy laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and similar regulations, making data handling audit-ready.
- Clarify costs and expectations: Outline cost-sharing for home-office equipment and broadband, set clear rules for working hours and performance metrics, and standardize expense reimbursement procedures.
With today’s tight labour market—where remote roles help attract talent nationwide—this clarity not only shields businesses from legal and reputational risks but also strengthens their appeal to skilled professionals and supports long-term operational resilience.
While remote working offers flexibility and cost savings, it can also bring critical risks:
- Greater exposure to cyberthreats via unsecured networks
- Inconsistent application of policies across distributed teams
- Increased risk of data breaches or loss of company devices
- Potential non-compliance with U.S. data privacy laws (e.g., CCPA, state-specific regulations)
Without a clearly defined policy, organizations risk reputational harm, legal penalties, and operational disruptions. A well-structured Remote Working Policy is essential to manage these risks effectively.