What are hybrid & remote working guidelines?

Now that hybrid (a mix of office and remote work) and fully remote working are here to stay, it's essential to have clear guidelines in place so everyone’s on the same page. We highlight the benefits and key considerations such as eligibility, work hours, and security, and how to create a hybrid work policy that works for you.

Find out more about how hybrid working can benefit your business.

What are hybrid working policies?

A hybrid work policy is an essential guide that outlines the rules, expectations, and procedures for employees who split their time between the office and working remotely. It provides a clear framework to ensure productivity stays high, things are fair, and legal standards are met.

As a minimum, you should include these key elements:

• Eligibility. Outline who can take part in hybrid work – for example, based on roles, experience, or performance. It should also clearly state how you’ll assess roles, take people’s needs into account, how you’ll make the decision, and any required contract changes.

• Work schedule and hours. Set out when employees need to be available, including any core hours for team meetings or collaboration, whether they're in the office or working remotely.

• Communication expectations. Have guidelines for staying in touch, including preferred tools like video calls or instant messaging.

• Performance measurement: Explain how you’ll assess people’s performance in a hybrid setup, with clear metrics.

• Security and confidentiality. Make sure there are clear rules for protecting sensitive company information when working from home.

For more great insights on staying safe, read our cybersecurity for remote and hybrid workers article.

• Equipment and technology. Clarify what equipment your business will provide for remote work and who’s responsible for covering things like internet costs.

• Health and wellbeing. Explain how you will support employee wellbeing, such as encouraging breaks, managing lunch and working hours, promoting ergonomic home office setups, or offering mental health resources.

You can find more details here.

Is hybrid working a legal requirement?

In most places, there’s no law that says you must offer hybrid work. However, a number of countries have rules in place that support flexible working options. For example, since March 2024 in Ireland, employees have the right to request remote working from day one. While this doesn’t mean you have to automatically agree, you do need to take the request seriously and accommodate these requests wherever possible.

It’s important you stay up-to-date on the legal requirements in your area, so check government resources or talk to a legal expert to make sure your remote, hybrid or home working policy is in line with current laws.

Find out more about hybrid and remote working guidelines

Creating clear hybrid and remote work policies isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about ensuring your team stays productive, happy, and prepared for anything. These policies help you handle the unique challenges of people splitting their time between home and the office or working fully remotely.

Here's more on maintaining morale and motivation while working remotely and helping your team work better from anywhere.

The benefits of hybrid and remote work policies are huge. They bring structure, reduce misunderstandings, and keep your company culture strong, even when your team is spread out.

Ready to take the next step in developing your hybrid or remote work policies? Speak to our V-Hub Digital Advisers today for expert, personalised support.