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Home Office in Bulgaria: What Documents Does the Employer Need to Make Everything Legal?

Working from home – also known as home office – is no longer just a temporary measure in extraordinary circumstances. For many, it has become the new normal. But what documents are needed so that the employee can work remotely legally and safely? This article will give you a clear and practical answer, for both employers and employees.

Check out our practical online course:  Safe Working Conditions – store.nit.bg . Suitable for office and remote work,  No in-person training required;  You finish with a certificate.  Created for employers, HR specialists, and managers who want to stay up to date with the law and protect their team.

What does home office mean under the law?

According to the Labor Code, working from home (home office) is treated as remote work. This means that the work is performed outside the employer's offices, with the help of information technologies, but with the same labor rights and obligations.

Why are documents needed for working from home?

Remote work cannot simply be based on an oral agreement. For it to be legitimate and protected for both parties, the law requires certain written documents. They ensure:

• protection of the employee's health and safety;

• clarity in obligations;

• the ability to monitor and report;

• protection in the event of labor disputes.

Required documents for introducing home office:

1. Additional agreement to the employment contract

This is mandatory. It must include:

• the address from which the employee will work;

• working hours and the method of recording them;

• how control by the employer is carried out;

• obligations to protect company information;

• who provides the equipment and how it is maintained.

=>>Important: Without such an agreement, home office is not lawful under the Labor Code!

2. Risk assessment of the home worksite

According to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS), the employer is obliged to carry out a risk assessment for remote work as well. This is done through:

• a questionnaire or form filled out by the employee;

• photos of the work area;

• identification of risks (incorrect posture, lighting, etc.);

• suggesting safety measures.

3. OHS safety instruction protocol

Every employee must be instructed how to work safely, regardless of whether they are in the office or at home. The instruction may be:

• remote (online or by email);

• recorded in a protocol with a signature;

• related to the main risks, equipment, ergonomics, etc.

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4. Protocol for provided equipment (optional)

If the employer provides a laptop, headset, monitor, etc., it is a good idea to have:

• handover protocol;

• description of the equipment, serial numbers, and condition;

• term and responsibilities for use.

If the employee uses personal equipment, a declaration may be requested confirming that it is maintained in proper and safe condition.

5. Internal rules and orders

Some employers adopt internal rules for working from home, which define:

• which positions may work remotely;

• maximum number of home office days per month;

• reporting and record-keeping duties;

• what is considered a violation.

= > This is not mandatory, but it is recommended, especially for large teams or a hybrid work organization.

Common questions about home office:

? Can the employer unilaterally order home office?

Yes – only in extraordinary circumstances (e.g. a pandemic), by order. Under normal conditions, the employee's consent and a signed agreement are required.

? Can office work be combined with home office (hybrid)?

Yes – this is regulated in the additional agreement, where, for example, 3 days in the office and 2 days from home are specified.

? Is the employer responsible for safety at home?

Yes – responsibility for OHS does not cease, which is why it is important to have a documented risk assessment and instruction.

Home office is here to stay – but for it to be lawful, effective, and safe, the employer must take concrete steps. Without the proper documentation and training, you risk sanctions, labor disputes, and loss of control over the work process.

Don't know where to start with training on safe working conditions?

Check out our practical online course: 

Safe Working Conditions – store.nit.bg

- Suitable for office and remote work;
- No in-person training required;
- You finish with a certificate;

 Created for employers, HR specialists, and managers who want to stay up to date with the law and protect their team.