Governance

GOV053

Arrangements for working remotely from home

Working remotely from home is subject to an agreement between management and the employee.

Note that if your people work from locations that haven’t been approved or had a risk assessment, you must treat their arrangements as mobile working.

Assess the home office or work site

An agreement for working remotely normally requires you to assess the home office or work site. You should assess compliance with any occupational health and safety, and human resource requirements that apply to your organisation through a self-assessment process.

Include the right information in an agreement

In an agreement, you must include at least the following:

  • conditions of employment
  • occupational health and safety requirements
  • security requirements.

 The agreement should cover technology and equipment; safety and security; and communication and availability.

Technology and equipment

Identify which technology is appropriate for accessing information from the remote location.

  • Work out what equipment your organisation will provide, what equipment the remote worker will provide, and what will be shared (including any specific controls relating to use of personal equipment).
  • If you provide equipment, include a schedule of equipment.
  • Detail how you will provide technical assistance in the event of equipment failure or disruption.

Safety and security

  • Find out if the physical attributes of the remote workplace conform to safety and security standards.
  • Ensure remote workers have your emergency procedures.
  • Include your procedures for disposing of official information securely (if relevant).

Communication and availability

  • State your expectations for communication and availability. For example, that remote workers must be contactable by phone or email during a set time.
  • Identify which processes you will use if you need to change the agreement.

 For advice on employment agreements, go to Employment New Zealand’s site: Employment agreements

Supporting documents

Checklist for mobile and remote working.

 


 

Page last modified: 4/05/2022