Protection of Older People Working from Home During the Pandemic: A Central-European Case Study

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on labour markets worldwide, necessitating the rapid implementation of work-from-home policies to mitigate the spread of the virus. This study examines the legislative frameworks and their effectiveness in protecting older employees working from home in four Central European countries: the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. Through a legal comparison and an empirical survey of respondents aged 50 to 64, six key areas were investigated: the definition of work from home, the grounds for its institution during the pandemic, the provision of necessary equipment, the coverage of equipment costs, the coverage of energy costs, and workplace safety. The results revealed some disparities in legislative support and practical implementation across these countries. Many older employees reported insufficient provision of necessary equipment and a lack of compensation for related costs, including energy expenses. Furthermore, more than 50% of respondents in the Czech Republic and Slovakia indicated inadequate safety training for remote work. Despite these challenges, a majority of the respondents expressed a preference for continuing work-from-home arrangements post-pandemic. The study concludes with recommendations for legislative enhancements to better protect older employees, including clearer regulations, improved equipment provision, comprehensive cost coverage, and thorough safety training.