The Polish government is developing new policies to encourage people to work from home. Employers would be prohibited from refusing such requests from specific groups, such as parents with young children and pregnant women, and would be required to fund the costs of working from home.
According to Marlena Malag, minister of labour, families, and social policy, the pandemic has proved that such options are vital for workers and beneficial to families. She expressed the hope that the restrictions would be put in place by the end of June.
“The last two years have shown that remote work is necessary, and this is why we are working on adding it to the labour code. Of course, not every job can be done remotely, but thanks to this possibility the state coped well with the difficulties associated with the pandemic.”Marlena Malag, Minister of Labor, families and social policy, Poland
She stated that the new guidelines will supersede present teleworking restrictions since “remote work is to be used more generally.” Covid legislation now governs it, with the company selecting when employees can work from home.
Employers and employees will be able to propose working from home under the proposed measures. Internal regulations will specify the terms that apply within a corporation, which will be determined in cooperation with trade unions or other employee representatives. People who work remotely will need to notify their boss about where they will be working. Companies will be allowed to conduct checks, but only during working hours, according to the ministry.
In addition, the employer will be responsible for covering the costs of working from home, such as necessary equipment, electricity, and essential telecommunications services.
Employers will not be permitted to decline requests for remote labour in certain circumstances, according to the law. Parents of children under the age of four and those caring for a disabled person, as well as pregnant women, will be included in this “protected category.” Employers may find that having employees work remotely is a desired and cost-effective option, especially in areas like IT and administration, according to Malag.
“But there must be a balance in using remote work. Sometimes it is also necessary to have contact with other people, leave home, and exchange ideas.”Marlena Malag, Minister of Labor, families and social policy, Poland
The law is currently being handled by the legal affairs committee and should be handed to the cabinet soon, according to Malg, so that it can be debated in parliament.
The new rules could go into effect in the first half of this year, and they’ll take effect three months after Poland’s current official state of epidemic is lifted.
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