Austria – Changes to remote working – adoption of the Teleworking Act

What’s new?

A new teleworking act (the Act) will come into force on 1 January 2025. The Act will extend the scope of home working, so that remote working from other locations will be regulated.

What are the key changes?

• Teleworking – The Act specifically provides for additional remote working locations, such as hotels, cafes and co-working spaces, in addition to home offices. References to ‘home working’ will therefore be replaced with teleworking, to cover the expanded scope.
• Mutual agreement – Teleworking must be agreed in writing between the employer and employee and any remote working locations will need to be specified. Teleworking cannot be unilaterally imposed by either party.
• Equipment – Where teleworking is agreed, the employer must provide the necessary digital work equipment. If the employee uses their own equipment, it must be reimbursed by the employer.

So, what should employers consider?

Employers should review their policies and procedures (including any data protection/security implications) and update them as necessary for compliance with the new provisions of the Act before its 2025 enforcement date. If you need any support with this, or would like any further information, please get in touch with a member of the MDR ONE team.