A draft law proposed by Armenia’s Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs aims to introduce significant changes to the Labor Code, focusing on improving work-life balance and strengthening employee protections.
Key Goals of the Reform
The proposed amendments are expected to:
Expand social guarantees for employees
Improve the balance between work and family life
Reduce workplace delays and disciplinary disputes
Establish a legal framework for flexible working arrangements
Strengthen social protection for employees with children
In the long term, the reforms may increase workforce productivity, enhance social stability, and support demographic development.
“Parental Hour” Concept
One of the major innovations is the introduction of a “parental hour.”
Currently, there is no legal regulation for situations where parents must regularly take children to or from school or kindergarten. This often leads to lateness and conflicts with employers.
Under the proposal:
Parents with up to 2 children (under 12) can receive up to 30 minutes daily
Parents with 3 or more children can receive up to 1 hour daily
The time is granted based on a written request from the employee
This measure aims to reduce conflicts and better protect family responsibilities.
Flexible Work Schedule
The draft also introduces a formal legal basis for flexible work schedules.
Work hours (start and end) can be set by mutual written agreement between employer and employee
Weekly working hour limits and labor protections must still be respected
The change aims to modernize workplace management and improve efficiency
Although flexible schedules are already used in practice, the lack of legal clarity has led to disputes—this amendment seeks to resolve that.
Financial and Legal Impact
No additional state budget funding is required
No changes are expected in state revenues or expenditures
Strategic Alignment
The proposal aligns with national strategies, including:
Armenia Transformation Strategy 2050 (supporting healthy living and effective work conditions)
Government demographic strategy (2024–2040), aimed at strengthening family well-being
Conclusion
If adopted, the amendments will introduce modern labor tools, improve employee rights, and help workers better combine professional and family responsibilities.
