Description
The objectives of the project were to increase the capacities and opportunities of the Project promotor and Partners in their fight at the local, regional and national level for the rights of employees and employers in introduction of teleworking and to encourage amendments and improvements of the legislature through tripartite cooperation with public authorities (Ministry of Labour). The main deliverables of this project were a set of guidelines for amending the labour market legislation, particularly regarding teleworking issues.
The project aimed to improve working conditions for teleworkers and influence legislative changes by promoting telework through awareness, training, and social dialogue. The pandemic highlighted the need for clear rules on health and safety for teleworkers, and this project addressed these issues. The project involved a series of bipartite and tripartite activities, including online meetings, round tables, a study visit to Norway, and a closing conference. The project also transferred good practices from Norway to Croatia.
Summary of project results
The primary issues included outdated legislation that did not adequately cover telework, particularly in terms of occupational health, safety, and work location. There was a lack of clear guidelines and regulations for teleworking, which created a grey area and hindered the adoption of telework practices. Additionally, the project sought to address the low rate of teleworking in Croatia compared to the EU average and the need for a legislative framework that would support teleworking and attract remote workers.
Activities included an initial online kick-off meeting to launch the project and coordinate activities and organising round tables discussions in four different cities (Rijeka, Varaždin, Split, and Osijek) with over 270 participants, including stakeholders from various sectors. These discussions served as "on terrain" research about telework. A study visit to Norway was conducted to learn from Norwegian practices, and based on the experiences throughout the project, the project promoter presented guidelines to the Ministry of Labour and workshop participants. The project concluded with a closing conference held in Zagreb, where the guidelines for amending the legislative framework were presented and discussed. Additionally, the project involved active coordination between the Croatian Employers'' Association (CEA), the Oil Industries Trade Union (OITU), and the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO), and included activities to raise awareness and disseminate the project''s findings and recommendations.
The project resulted in the creation of guidelines for amending the telework legislation, which were presented to the Ministry of Labour. These guidelines included the term "Reasonable measure / reasonable risk standard" for work safety regulation.
The project facilitated social dialogue among over 270 participants from various sectors, during the round table discussions, helping to gather opinions and insights from stakeholders across Croatia. This dialogue was crucial in shaping the guidelines and ensuring they addressed the needs of all parties involved.
The project also helped CEA to connect more strongly with partners NHO and OITU, leading to a new project proposal and expected future collaborations. The project provided valuable input and support for the ongoing process of updating the legislation (the Labour Act) to better accommodate teleworking.
Furthermore, the project raised awareness about the benefits of teleworking and the need for a flexible legislative framework to attract remote workers and support work-life balance. The primary beneficiaries of the project were employers, employees, trade unions, and government institutions involved in the social dialogue and legislative process. The project also aimed to benefit vulnerable groups, such as people with disabilities and those living in remote areas, by promoting teleworking as a viable and flexible work option.
Summary of bilateral results
The project transferred good practices from Norway to Croatia, and a study visit to Norway allowed to learn from Norwegian practices, which served as a basis for the guidelines and outcome of the project.