Remote Work Leave Policy Template

A modern leave policy designed for remote and distributed teams with flexibility and trust.

Best for:Fully remote companiesDistributed teams across time zonesOrganizations with high-trust cultures

Policy Template

Policy Purpose

[Company Name] is committed to supporting our remote workforce with a flexible and trusting approach to time off. This policy recognizes that remote employees manage their time differently and need autonomy to balance work and personal needs.

PTO Allocation

Remote employees receive [X] days of PTO annually that can be used for any purpose. This allocation is designed to be genuinely usable - we encourage all employees to take their full PTO each year. Additionally, employees receive: • [X] company-wide holidays • [X] floating holidays to use for personal/cultural observances • Sick leave as required by applicable state law

Flexibility Principles

• Work from anywhere during approved PTO (workations allowed with manager approval) • Half-day PTO options available • No minimum increment for time off requests • Async communication respected - no expectation of immediate response outside work hours

Time Zone Considerations

• PTO is recorded in the employee's local time zone • Holidays follow the employee's country/state of residence • Core collaboration hours ([10 AM - 3 PM] company time zone) should be considered when planning extended absences

Request Process

• Submit requests through [system] at least [1 week] before planned PTO • For unplanned sick time, notify your manager via [Slack/email] before your usual start time • Managers should respond to requests within [2 business days] • Set calendar to "Out of Office" and update Slack status

Extended Leave

For absences longer than [2 weeks]: • Discuss with your manager at least [4 weeks] in advance • Create a coverage plan for your responsibilities • Provide emergency contact information • Ensure project handoffs are documented

Disconnecting

During PTO, employees are encouraged to fully disconnect: • Remove work apps from personal devices (or disable notifications) • Do not check or respond to work communications • Managers should not contact employees on PTO except for true emergencies • Taking time off is valued, not penalized

Customization Points

When using this template, customize these key areas for your organization:

→PTO day allocation
→Floating holiday count
→Core collaboration hours
→Request lead time
→Extended leave threshold
→Communication tools/systems

Legal Considerations

⚠️Remote employees may be subject to different state laws based on location
⚠️Sick leave requirements vary by employee location
⚠️Tax implications of "work from anywhere" policies
⚠️Maintain consistent treatment across locations where possible

This template is for informational purposes only. Consult with an employment attorney to ensure your policies comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

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