Filenews 13 January 2026 - by Eleftheria Paizanou
The procedures for the implementation of teleworking in the Public Sector from April 1 are feverish. This year, the new institution will be implemented for 20 days, while from next year the number of days will be increased to 50.
Employees will be able to work remotely from their place of residence. However, the head of the department can give the "green light" for teleworking from any other place, provided that the unhindered performance of official duties is ensured and the terms and conditions provided by law are met.
The employee must ensure that his teleworking area is suitable for the effective performance of his duties. In particular, he/she should have or be able to configure an appropriate space in his/her home, which is used exclusively by him/her during teleworking, has adequate lighting and basic equipment, such as a desk and an ergonomic chair, and must be quiet and isolated, in order to ensure concentration, efficiency, as well as the safety and protection of official documents. Securing the furniture and equipment required for teleworking is the responsibility of the employee himself.
The Department of Public Administration and Personnel (PIPI) has issued a manual with guidelines on the actions to be taken by the services for the implementation of teleworking. At the same time, information is provided on the application process, an explanation of the terms of application of teleworking, as well as instructions to civil servants to take preventive and protective measures aimed at reducing or even eliminating occupational risks. The handbook also contains binding guidelines on security and protection of personal data.
According to the TSI manual, seven steps are foreseen to facilitate the implementation of teleworking. Initially, the suitability of the employees of each service for teleworking will be examined and then a record of those employees deemed suitable will be made. The relevant decision will be made by the head of the department.
Subsequently, employees who are deemed suitable and wish to telework should submit an expression of interest form to their supervisor. The third stage concerns the registration of employees who expressed interest and were deemed suitable for teleworking.
The next step is to provide the employee with a service computer, while the relevant service should contact the competent officers of the IT Services Department for the installation of the necessary applications and software (Microsoft Office 365, Cisco Jabber), as well as all the necessary security tools, and to arrange access to the eOASIS system.
Then, the supervisor will proceed with the planning of the teleworking days. Upon completion of the first six steps, the employee will be able to formally apply for teleworking.
In the expression of interest form, employees will be asked to state whether they have studied the relevant legislation and whether they accept the terms of teleworking. In addition, they will have to answer whether they have a suitable teleworking space, whether it will be used exclusively by themselves, whether it is sufficient for the smooth performance of their duties, as well as whether they have a fast and secure internet connection and can work without distractions.
Finally, those interested should study the guidelines on safety and health during teleworking and fill in a relevant questionnaire regarding the management of occupational risks.
