We are clearly (and thankfully) well past the pandemic, and yet demands for flexible and remote work press on. While the overall global trend of transforming the traditional 9-to-5 work model is consistent, laws governing flexible work arrangements can vary significantly by jurisdiction.

We monitor this space closely (see our previous update here) and advise multinational companies on a multitude of issues bearing on remote, hybrid and flexible arrangements, including health & safety rules, working time regulations, tax and employment benefit issues, cybersecurity and data privacy protections, workforce productivity monitoring and more.

Key recent updates around the globe (organized by region) include:

Asia Pacific

  • Australia: Right to disconnect – Working 9 to [to be determined…]?
    In August 2024, a Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission finalized the new “right to disconnect” model term, which will soon be inserted into all modern awards. Whilst we wait for the Fair Work Commission to issue its guidance on the new workplace right, here’s what you should know, and what we think you should do to prepare for the introduction of the right to disconnect

Continue Reading HR Trend Watch: Maintaining compliance while unlocking the talent rewards of flexible work arrangements

Our colleagues in Latin America prepared a succinct briefing of the most impactful recent employment law changes in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela and Peru. From changes to teleworking rules to greater obligations related to family leave, outsourcing and more, there’s a lot to keep up with.

Click here to access our heat map

Special thanks to Javiera Medina, Liliana Hernández and Ma. Rosario Lombera.

In our latest video chat, our team on the ground in Mexico discusses the practical implications for employers of the new teleworking standard introduced on June 8, 2023 by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare. NOM-037 establishes new health and safety-related requirements

Special thanks to Liliana Hernandez-Salgado for this update.

Mexico has new teleworking regulations that were published today and will come into effect tomorrow.

The main actions that employers should implement under these new regulations are:

  • Update individual employment agreements for new employees who will be working remotely.
  • Draft agreements to include teleworking obligations for existing