Remote Work Policies

Remote Work Policies and Agreements are among the most relevant aspects of labor relations in today's reality. In the post-pandemic period, hybrid and fully remote work models have become established in Georgia, yet a large portion of employers have failed to ensure the proper legal formalization of this process. Remote work does not mean the suspension of the Labor Code; on the contrary, it requires specific regulation, such as tracking working hours outside the office, reimbursing expenses (internet, electricity), and maintaining occupational safety standards in home conditions. Incorrectly executed documentation leaves the employer vulnerable to labor disputes and creates uncertainty for the employee regarding their rights.

What does the Remote Work Policies service cover?

Specialists on Legal.ge offer full legal support in implementing individual remote contracts:

• Modification of employment contracts: Amending existing contracts or drafting new ones where remote work conditions are clearly outlined.
• Working time regulation: Developing mechanisms for recording hours worked and overtime in a remote mode to avoid disputes over compensation.
• Material responsibility: Establishing rules regarding the use, care, and liability for damage of company-owned equipment (laptops, phones) at home.
• Expense compensation: Drafting provisions regarding the reimbursement of costs for internet, utilities, or the use of personal space.
• Data protection and confidentiality: Adding special clauses regulating information security while working on unsecured networks.
• Occupational safety: Defining obligations for adhering to safety norms at the remote workplace.

Common scenarios when you need this service

Legal intervention is necessary when:

• The company is transitioning to a fully remote or hybrid model, and mass updates to existing staff contracts are required.
• You are hiring an employee who lives in another city or region and cannot physically report to the office.
• An employee requests to switch to remote mode due to family circumstances or health conditions.
• There is a need to regulate relationships with "Digital Nomad" type employees working from abroad for a Georgian resident company.

Georgian Legislation and Regulations

Remote work issues are regulated by the Organic Law of Georgia "Labor Code of Georgia". The law obliges the employer to record the employee's working time, regardless of whether the work is performed in the office or outside of it. Also important is the Law of Georgia "On Personal Data Protection", which gains special significance in the context of data security during remote work.

Additionally, the Organic Law on Occupational Safety applies to all employees. However, since the employer's scope of control is limited during remote work, the contract must precisely define where the employer's liability limit lies.

Service Delivery Process

1. Audit: Studying existing practices and work specifics (who can work remotely, how often).
2. Document Preparation: Drafting individual contracts or supplementary agreements.
3. Negotiation: Agreeing on terms with employees, especially regarding expense reimbursement.
4. Implementation: Signing documents and implementing electronic signature systems (if necessary).

Why choose a specialist on Legal.ge?

Legal.ge gives you access to qualified labor law lawyers who have practical experience in the legal regulation of remote work. An incorrectly drafted remote contract can become the basis for fines or overtime payments. Our specialists will help you create a flexible and legal system that protects your business interests.