Regulation of Working Time in the Context of the Global Transition to Flexible Forms of Work

Abstract

This study explores the impact of remote and hybrid work models, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, on working time regulations in Ukraine. It aims to assess how these changes affect working hours and propose legal reforms to enhance work-life balance and productivity. The study employs a range of research methods, including analysis to assess changes in work patterns, synthesis to integrate various perspectives, and induction and deduction to develop theoretical and practical insights. It examines changes in work schedules and evaluates existing regulations, using analytical methods to assess trends in flexible working hours and identify areas for improvement. The shift to remote and hybrid work challenges existing laws, particularly regarding fairness and workers' rights. It highlights the need for legal reforms to address these new work models. The study comes to the conclusion that Ukraine needs to update its working time laws to align with modern work practices. Existing regulations fail to ensure fairness and flexibility for workers, making legislative changes essential to accommodate remote and hybrid work environments. The findings recommend reforming Ukrainian legislation to strike a balance between flexibility and fairness, thereby promoting a healthier work-life balance and enhancing overall productivity in the evolving work landscape.