Türkiye’s labor law overhaul: Shorter hours, remote works

The Turkish government is planning significant changes to the country’s labor laws, potentially affecting over 30 million workers. These changes include reducing the standard workweek and introducing flexible work models like remote and part-time work.

Why it matters: As these changes are finalized, they are expected to reshape Türkiye’s labor landscape, providing workers with more flexibility and reducing burnout, while helping employers adapt to a more modern, efficient working environment.

What’s new in Türkiye’s labor law?

• Work hours: The standard workweek could be reduced from 45 hours to 40. For some professions, the reduction will be even more significant, bringing 48-hour workweeks down to 40 hours.
• Flexible work models: The government is exploring the introduction of modern work arrangements such as remote, part-time, and platform-based work, aiming to align with the evolving needs of the workforce.

Why has Turkish labor law undergone changes?

• Responding to demands: The labor law revisions are part of broader efforts by the government to modernize Türkiye’s labor market. The government intends to address the evolving demands of the labor market while maintaining a balance between work and private life.

• Int’l standards: Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Isikhan emphasized the need to adapt social security legislation and labor practices to the changing dynamics of the workforce, signaling that these changes are aligned with international standards discussed at the International Labour Organization (ILO).
• Upgrading skills: The overhaul also includes measures to enhance workers’ skills and ensure fair compensation. Government sources have indicated that placing workers at the center of these reforms is crucial for the growth of businesses and the economy.
• Fairness: The updates are also expected to address inconsistencies in how workers are treated across different sectors.