There are many considerations when it comes to teleworking, so in this article we have compiled a list of issues to take into account for companies, freelancers and employees who wish to start working remotely:
1. Internal organisation
- Consider whether it is possible to carry out and organise remote work and under what conditions.
- Analyse pros and cons for company and employee.
- Establish an agreement between both parties setting out the working conditions.
- Organise the means and equipment necessary for the development of the activity.
- Estimate the costs of carrying out a remote activity.
2. Organisation at tax level
- Worker: determine his/her tax residence and, if necessary, obtain a visa or residence permit.
- Company: determine its presence in the country (temporary establishment, permanent establishment, headquarters, etc.).
- Determine whether it is a temporary posting of a worker or a change of permanent location.
- Know that there is a bilateral agreement between both countries (that of the company and that of the worker).
- To know the regulations of the country where the worker is going to be and the European regulations.
- Find out whether or not there is specific legislation for remote working.
- Comply with tax obligations in the country where the activity is carried out.
3. Organisation at Social Security level
- To be aware of the existence of bilateral Social Security agreements.
- Knowledge of the regulations on occupational risk prevention.
- To know the Social Security regulations of the country where the worker is going to stay.
- To know the collective agreements applicable to the worker and their conditions.
- Find out whether or not there is specific legislation for remote work.
- If necessary, establish the appropriate measures to guarantee the worker's health care (private insurance, public health care).
- Comply with social security obligations in the country where the activity is carried out.
4. Other considerations
- It is also recommended to establish logistical arrangements. For example, when the worker must go to the company's offices, how far in advance he/she must know, who will bear the travel costs.
- It is recommended to establish protocols for the protection of information at work and to train employees in this area so that they do not put the security of information at risk.