The cabinet has approved regulations introducing flexible working arrangements for public sector employees, allowing reduced hours for parents and carers whilst extending flexible scheduling options across government services.
The measures, approved by the Council of Ministers on Thursday and submitted to parliament, aim to modernise public service operations and improve work-life balance for civil servants.
Under the new regulations, public employees may reduce their working hours by up to two hours daily if they are parents of children under 15, carers providing support to relatives or household members, or workers with disabilities and serious health conditions.
The flexible hours system has been extended from the current 1.5 hours to two hours, with public service hours adjusted to 7:00-9:00am and 2:30-4:30pm. Authorities expect the changes to help reduce traffic congestion by distributing commuting times.
Employees choosing reduced hours will receive proportionally adjusted salaries and 13th month payments, though the arrangement will not affect service time for promotion purposes, leave entitlements, increments, or pension benefits.
The regulations follow a decision taken in August 2023 and require all government departments to install electronic time-tracking systems by 1 September, when the new schedules take effect.
Workers with health conditions must provide medical certificates demonstrating their inability to work full-time hours. Eligible employees may delay arrival, leave early, or combine both options.
The Ministry of Finance announced approval for remote working arrangements in the Cypriot public service, specifically hybrid remote work allowing employees to work from home on certain days.
Remote work eligibility depends on whether employee duties can be performed remotely based on their nature and required technology, as determined by department heads.
The Department of Public Administration and Personnel has prepared implementation guidelines in cooperation with the Information Technology Services Department, which will be distributed after parliament passes the legislation.
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