A new law in the Czech Republic would guarantee the right to remote work

On Mondays, we explore what’s happening abroad in the world of HR.

The US wasn’t the only country to quickly adopt remote work during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. And as life has largely returned to normal, it hasn’t been alone in considering what has and hasn’t worked, and what long-term WFH policies are worth enacting.

Much like their American counterparts, many European workers want to continue working from home at least some of the time—though some European employers do not currently allow it. But those who call the Czech Republic home may soon have their chance: The country is looking to enact legislation that would guarantee remote work protections for some employees.

What in the world? The Czech Republic does not currently regulate remote work, including when employers should accommodate employees’ WFH requests. But proposed legislation could change that, according to Expats.cz.

If it passes, ČT24 reported, the new rule would make remote work a right, rather than a benefit, for certain employees, including those who have children under age 15, are pregnant, or are carers. Employers might also be obligated to pay remote employees’ electricity, heat, and trash costs, according to reports.

Satellite view. Some business leaders and government officials are unhappy about the proposed legislation, considering it an overreach, according to ČT24.

However, countries including Spain, Ireland, Hungary, and Italy have already passed similar legislation for employers. The Czech Republic is just the latest to try to get a handle on the new world of work.

What about you, readers? Do you think that legislation is needed to help figure out the future of remote work? Reply to this email with your thoughts.—KP

Do you work in HR or have information about your HR department we should know? Email [email protected] or DM @Kris10Parisi on Twitter. For completely confidential conversations, ask Kristen for her number on Signal.