Employee Working From Home Questionnaire

Under Ireland's Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, employees have the right to formally request remote or flexible working arrangements from their employer. While employers aren't obligated to approve every request, they are required to genuinely consider it and provide business-based reasons if declined, in line with the WRC's Code of Practice on the Right to Request Remote Working (effective March 2024).

Emerald HR's Working From Home Questionnaire helps both employees and employers navigate this process smoothly. Designed for employees with at least 6 months of continuous service, the questionnaire captures the key information needed to assess a WFH request, including role suitability, proposed working arrangements, home working environment, and business impact considerations so that requests can be reviewed fairly, consistently, and in line with statutory requirements.

The questionnaire also includes a self-assessment ergonomics check, allowing employees to evaluate their home workspace against basic health and safety standards, covering areas like desk and chair setup, screen positioning, lighting, and general workstation comfort. This helps employers meet their duty of care obligations for remote workers while giving employees practical guidance on setting up a safe, comfortable working environment.

By using this questionnaire, employers can ensure they're meeting their obligations under the 2023 Act, respond within a reasonable timeframe, and document their decision-making process, while giving employees a clear, structured way to make their case for remote or flexible work.