Working from home in the public sector will begin on a limited basis this year, with civil servants allowed to work away from the office for up to 20 days in 2026, following a decision by the Cabinet. This initiative marks a significant shift in how public service operates, aiming to enhance work-life balance and efficiency.
- With 20 days of remote work equating to fewer than two days per month, the implementation aims to give sufficient time for staff training and to establish necessary technical infrastructure.
- The initiative is rooted in laws governing parental and care leave, force majeure leave, and flexible work arrangements, all of which seek to better balance professional and personal lives.
- It is important to note that working from home in the private and semi-public sectors remains governed by separate legislation that has been in effect since 2023.
A Gradual Rollout of Remote Work
The Cabinet’s decision is the first phase of a planned gradual rollout designed to ensure a smooth transition for employees and citizens. Officials emphasise that the effectiveness of this arrangement, along with employee productivity and its impact on public service delivery, will be closely monitored to determine any future expansions of remote working days.
Legal Framework and Implementation Timeline
The legal framework for remote working in the public sector will officially commence on April 2, 2026. This date was confirmed by the Council of Ministers in mid-December. The relevant cabinet decision has already been published in the Official Gazette of the Republic, complying with legal requirements.
The legislation allowing remote work was initially approved by parliament on November 13, but it underwent revisions when President Nikos Christodoulides referred it back due to a proposed amendment that sought to limit working from home to four days per month. This amendment was ultimately accepted, allowing the law’s publication and subsequent implementation.
Operational Guidelines and Department Discretion
<pUnder the new law, while the entry-into-force date is fixed, the maximum number of remote working days for public servants will be determined by a separate Cabinet decision, which has set the limit at 20 days for 2026. Department heads will have the discretion to approve remote work based on the needs of their services and how these approved days are allocated throughout the year.
With 20 days of remote work equating to fewer than two days per month, the implementation aims to give sufficient time for staff training and to establish necessary technical infrastructure.
Conditions for Remote Work
Remote work is permitted only for tasks deemed feasible to perform away from the office, as assessed by the respective department head. Employees working under a shift system will not be eligible for this scheme. Generally, remote work will take place from an employee’s home or residence, although department heads may approve alternative locations if it ensures the smooth performance of official duties.
Participation in the remote work scheme is voluntary, requiring a formal application to be submitted through the employee’s immediate superior, with management approval contingent on service needs. Employees must also have a work-issued laptop and secure internet access to official systems to qualify for remote work.
Flexible Working Arrangements in the Public Sector
This remote working initiative is part of a broader framework aimed at introducing flexible working arrangements in the public sector. This includes not only remote work but also flexible hours and reduced working time for specific staff categories. The goal is to promote a better work-life balance and enhance the efficiency of public services.
As of the start of this year, the scope for flexible working hours has already been expanded, allowing public servants to start work between 7.00 am and 9.00 am, with departure times ranging from 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm.
Further clarification about reduced working hours is anticipated, which will enable eligible employees to work two hours less per day. This provision is aimed at parents of children up to the age of 15, caregivers of individuals with serious health conditions, and employees with disabilities or significant health issues, all of whom must provide medical certification.
The initiative is rooted in laws governing parental and care leave, force majeure leave, and flexible work arrangements, all of which seek to better balance professional and personal lives.
It is important to note that working from home in the private and semi-public sectors remains governed by separate legislation that has been in effect since 2023.
