RSU researchers initiate amendments to laws on organisation of remote work in Latvia

The Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health (IOSEH) conducted a study and prepared proposals for necessary changes to laws and regulations to promote employment and a safe working environment during restrictions imposed to reduce the spread of Covid-19. As a result of the experts’ work, amendments to several laws related to the organisation of remote work in Latvia came into force.

First, amendments were proposed to the Labour Protection Law introducing the term “attālinātais darbs” (remote work) in 2020. Secondly, amendments to the Labour Law added the fourth paragraph to Article 76, allowing employers to compensate remote employees for the costs related to working remotely for electricity, internet, etc. Thirdly, amendments to the Law on Personal Income Tax were adopted in the final part of the study, which provided that expenses related to remote work for employees covered by the employer in accordance with the Labour Law, not exceeding 30 EUR per month for a full-time work, were exempted from personal income tax in 2021.

These amendments to the organisation of remote work in Latvia, including the right to flexible working hours, privacy and adjustment of working conditions, contributed to a more flexible labour market, improved work-life balance, access to a broader labour market and regional development. It also promoted sustainable employment, environmental sustainability and safety during the Covid-19 pandemic, when remote work was an essential public health measure.

Impact size and benefits

The results of the IOSEH study impacted employers and employees in Latvia, especially in sectors where remote work became “the new normal”, such as IT, finance, education, and public administration. According to official statistics, 11 %–12 % of employees, or one in ten, worked remotely in the second half of 2024. In areas like IT and finance, the number of people working remotely reached 50 %, and 21 % in public administration. During the Covid-19 pandemic, as many as 22 % of employees (180,000) worked remotely, while in IT and finance this number was more than 70 %. The organisation of remote work therefore concerned a large part of the economically active population.

The main beneficiaries of organising remote work during the Covid-19 pandemic were employees who gained security and the opportunity to continue working remotely. Employees were given the choice to work part-time or flexible working hours, which contributed to a better work-life balance.

IOSEH analysed how remote working affected the efficiency of working hours, the performance of tasks and team collaboration. The study highlighted mental and physical health problems: increased stress, burnout risk and ergonomic problems experienced by employees while working remotely. The prepared proposals for mental health support measures and an ergonomic working environment at home promoted the well-being of employees. In addition, the importance of ergonomics was emphasized, offering solutions on how to adapt the work environment at home to reduce the risk of back pain and musculoskeletal problems. Some cases were assigned to the vertically integrated project “Ergonomics and Air Quality” so that students could conduct practical case studies by collecting and analysing data.

Employers, in turn, were able to ensure business continuity and adapt to crisis conditions. The guidelines developed by IOSEH helped employers restructure their work processes to increase efficiency in remote working.

The Ministry of Health and the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention were also among the beneficiaries. They promoted public health protection and economic stability while simultaneously reducing the spread of the virus. Crucially, the proposed changes during the Covid-19 pandemic have shaped the basis for the current organisation of remote work in Latvia. Changes in regulations help employers retain employees even in economically challenging conditions, such as in the situation of a recurring pandemic.

Research carried out by IOSEH helped build sustainable work strategies and support mechanisms that improved both employee productivity and well-being. Thus, research made a significant contribution to public health, economic stability and development of labour rights in Latvia. The recommendations and guidelines developed by IOSEH were used in policy making and contributed to labour protection strategies and regulations. Improvements in the working environment and public health support measures concerned a big share of 880 thousand employees in Latvia.

Established collaborations

During the study, cross-sectoral co-operation in Latvia was strengthened: the IOSEH study was conducted in co-operation with the University of Latvia, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences and Rēzekne Academy of Technologies. Cooperation between public and private organisations was also developed, enabling to jointly address the challenges of remote work and improve work organisation. IOSEH also conducted measurements at the Latvian national Opera and Ballet to determine the safest conditions for organising concerts. Vidzeme concert hall improved the air quality during concerts based on the ventilation analysis performed by IOSEH. Based on IOSEH measurements, safe shopping was organised in retail stores, thus contributing to the protection of public health and economic stability.

International cooperation included participation in international networks such as the World Health Organisation and COST Actions, which ensured an exchange of experience and good practice and helped develop common guidelines on health and occupational safety.

Additional information about the study. Full report (in Latvian) “Evaluation and proposals regarding necessary changes in policy and/or legislation to promote employment and safe work environment (including remote work) under the restrictions to reduce the spread of Covid-19”.