Employers mandated under new legislation to accommodate pregnancies, offering parental leave options for expectant mothers
The State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament, has recently proposed a bill to expand remote work opportunities for certain categories of employees. This move is intended to provide a more flexible and accommodating work environment, particularly for socially vulnerable groups, while also addressing discrimination in the labor market [1].
The bill primarily targets employees in sectors where remote work is feasible, although specific categories have not been publicly detailed. These may include office workers and service professionals, but the impact on other roles, such as manual labourers, manufacturing employees, or government workers, remains unclear [1].
The proposed legislation aims to ensure that applicants from the specified categories are not denied employment due to their potential right to remote work. Employees who submit a written request for remote work, and whose duties allow for such an arrangement, will be able to work remotely [2].
However, the implementation of this bill faces several challenges. Russia's ongoing tightening of internet controls, including recent restrictive laws against VPN use and the criminalization of online searches for certain content, complicate secure and free access to digital work tools essential for remote work [2][3][5]. This could potentially hinder effective remote work by restricting employees' access to information or communication platforms.
Moreover, Russia's geographical expanse and regional disparities may pose challenges in ensuring reliable, secure internet connectivity necessary for remote work. Additionally, the bill's implementation may require additional cybersecurity measures to protect state and corporate information, especially in sensitive sectors, due to Russia's strict information control and surveillance framework [4].
Employees and management might also face difficulties transitioning to remote setups, including maintaining productivity, monitoring performance, and ensuring compliance with Russian labor regulations [4].
The Russian government has not yet commented on the submitted bill, which is currently available for review by RIA Novosti [3].
References: [1] "Russia's State Duma Proposes Remote Work for Certain Employees." The Moscow Times, 14 March 2023,
- The bill, intended to improve workplace-wellness and address discrimination in Russia's labor market, highlights women's health as a key consideration, as it may offer flexible work arrangements for mothers involved in parenting.
- Meanwhile, the policy-and-legislation surrounding remote work in Russia could have profound implications for the health-and-wellness sector, as telemedicine and remote consultations might become more accessible to a wider population.
- However, the proposed policy may encounter difficulties in various regions due to general-news issues like inconsistent internet connections, tightened internet controls, and cybersecurity concerns, potentially undermining the bill's goals related to employee productivity and moral.
- The eventual impact of the bill on different sectors, such as science, manufacturing, and government, will hinge on the specific categories rendered eligible for remote work and the practical policies that will be established to facilitate this shift.
