Kucinskis: Remote Work Review in State Administration Needed, but Not All Employees Must Return

Finance Minister Kucinskis has said that an evaluation of remote work practices in Latvia’s state administration is definitely needed. He indicated that he will take a close interest in the matter at the Finance Ministry, but stressed that the review does not by itself prevent institutions from justifying remote arrangements. Kucinskis is particularly curious to see how individual agencies respond, noting that remote work introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic has brought many benefits as well as open questions. He also pointed out that some private-sector companies use telework very successfully.

Prime Minister Kulbergs has instructed the Finance Ministry to prepare a report on how remote work is organized across state administration and to examine ways to bring more employees back to the office. In his view, remote work has remained too widespread in some places, creating problems for residents who need to receive services or reach officials by phone. The prime minister said his own experience shows that it can be difficult to meet employees in person on weekdays, not just on Fridays. He argued that the pandemic is over and most state workers should be present at their workplaces, although exceptions might remain for certain information technology professions or other specific functions.

Economy Minister Viktors Valainis backed the prime minister’s initiative, saying that remote work in the public sector has become too common. He noted that his own ministry and the Agriculture Ministry had already restricted the practice, allowing managers to permit telework only in certain cases. Valainis also expressed doubt that work processes can be fully controlled in a remote setup, and therefore fully supports reviewing the current rules.

Coalition politicians did not mention specific deadlines on Monday, August 3. The Finance Ministry has been tasked with preparing the assessment of remote work practices and possible exceptions.