Can my employer impose telework on me?
Conditional: telework is by agreement by default. Under Law 4808/2021 (Art. 67), agreement is the rule and the employer gives written telework terms. Two exceptions to consent: (a) the employer may impose it for public-health/exceptional circumstances; (b) the employee may request it on documented personal health-risk grounds. There's a right to disconnect (abstaining from work outside hours — any waiver is void) and cost coverage by the employer: minimums €13 (workspace) + €10 (communications) + €5 (equipment)/month, tax-free. In short: yes by agreement, not unilaterally (barring exceptions).
📋 The rules
- Rule: agreement + written telework terms
- Employer imposition: only for public health
- Employee request: for documented health risk
- Right to disconnect (waiver is void)
- Cost coverage: €13 + €10 + €5/month, tax-free
🔓 Exceptions
- Imposition for public health/exceptional circumstances
- Employee request on health grounds (JMD 105583/2022)
- Cost coverage: adjusted if you use your own equipment
⚠️ Penalties & fines
There's no specific fixed fine for telework in Art. 67 — it's enforced case by case by the Labour Inspectorate. Telework can't be imposed as a penalty or arbitrarily, and the employee has the same health & safety obligations (home inspections are pre-announced, respecting GDPR). Beware myths: "the employer can put everyone on WFH at will" and "the employee can demand telework unconditionally" — both wrong; "the employer owes no expense coverage" — outdated since the JMD (€13/€10/€5). To stay compliant: agree the terms in writing, respect the right to disconnect, and make sure the cost coverage is paid.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Can my employer put me on telework?
Not unilaterally, as a rule. Telework is agreed between employer and employee, with written terms. The employer can impose it only for public-health reasons or exceptional circumstances. It can't be imposed as a penalty or arbitrarily.
Can I request telework myself?
Yes, in one specific case: where there's a documented risk to your health, under the conditions of the relevant JMD. In other cases telework requires agreement with the employer too. Disputes are resolved by the Labour Inspectorate.
What is the right to disconnect?
It's the teleworker's right to fully abstain from work and communications outside their hours. Any term waiving this right is void. The aim is to protect personal time and avoid constant availability.
Who pays the costs of telework?
The employer must cover the cost, with minimum amounts of €13 for using the home as a workspace, €10 for communications and €5 for equipment maintenance, per month, tax-free. The amounts are adjusted for partial telework or use of your own equipment.
Do the same health and safety rules apply?
Yes. The teleworker has the same health and safety obligations and protection as on-site staff. Any inspections at the home must be pre-announced, respecting the protection of personal data.
🔎 Common searches
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