Flexible schedules and remote work: how working conditions in the Cyprus civil service will change

The Cyprus Parliament held a discussion on a draft law concerning working hours, pay, and remote work conditions in the Δημόσια Υπηρεσία (public service). The initiative aims to increase the efficiency of government structures and improve working conditions, especially for employees balancing professional duties with family responsibilities.

One key proposal is the introduction of reduced working hours for employees requiring more flexible schedules — parents of children under 15, people with disabilities, or those with serious health issues. The new regime will be voluntary and will not affect core labor rights, including promotions, leave, allowances, 13th salary, and pension benefits. However, salaries will be reduced proportionally to the reduction in working hours.

It is also proposed to extend the flexible start time. Currently, civil servants can arrive within a 1.5-hour window, but after the changes, this interval will increase to two hours — between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. Accordingly, the end of the working day will be from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The proposal for remote work has sparked the most discussion. The draft law stipulates that the state remains responsible for employees’ health and safety when performing duties outside the office. The workplace must meet established standards. Working from cafes, parks, or other public spaces will be prohibited. In case of problems, Επιθεώρηση Εργασίας (Labor Inspection) will conduct checks, and if violations are found, responsibility may fall on the employee.

The civil servants’ union ΠΑΣΥΔΥ (Pan-Cyprian Union of Public Servants) supported the initiative, noting that flexible schedules and the option for part-time work are especially important for parents and people with disabilities. However, some deputies expressed doubts about the need for such strict remote work restrictions, fearing they could complicate the implementation of innovations.

The proposed changes aim to modernize the civil service, increase productivity, and create more flexible working conditions in line with current social and economic realities.