Greece has passed the new Law 4785/2021, which concerns the regulation of remote work. This law was passed in January 2021 in response to the significant increase in remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the law, remote work is defined as work that is performed primarily outside the employer’s premises, using electronic means of communication. The law applies to all employees who work remotely for at least eight hours per week, or for at least 40 hours per month.
The law sets out a number of provisions to regulate remote work, including the requirement for a written agreement between the employer and the employee. The agreement must specify the terms and conditions of the remote work, including the duration of the agreement, the employee’s duties and responsibilities, the working hours, and the means of communication between the employer and the employee.
The law also requires employers to provide remote workers with the necessary equipment and resources to perform their duties effectively. This includes providing access to the necessary software, hardware, and data protection measures.
One of the key provisions of the law concerns the right to disconnect. Employers are required to establish policies and procedures to ensure that remote workers can disconnect from work outside of their normal working hours. This is to protect the health and well-being of remote workers and to prevent burnout and other negative effects of remote work.
The law also sets out provisions to protect the rights of remote workers, including the right to privacy and data protection. Employers are required to take appropriate measures to protect the personal data of remote workers, and remote workers have the right to access and correct their personal data.
Overall, Law 4785/2021 provides a comprehensive framework for the regulation of remote work in Greece. It establishes clear rules and guidelines to protect the rights of remote workers and to ensure that remote work is executed fairly in the country.