Baku: Azerbaijan is set to develop a flexible working hours model as part of its "Action Plan for the Implementation of the Employment Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026-2030," according to the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population.

According to Azeri-Press news agency, the ministry detailed that the new model will draw from international experiences, particularly those of the International Labour Organization (ILO), to allow employees to select their start and end work times within set boundaries, while ensuring the total working hours remain at 40 per week. The initiative aims to enhance flexibility in labor relations, promote work-life balance, and boost labor productivity.

The plan outlines that flexible working hours will typically involve core mandatory hours, with flexibility in arrival and departure times - such as intervals between 06:00-10:00 and 15:00-20:00 - without altering the overall work time norm. The implementation of this regime will be tailored to fit the national legislation and labor market specifics of Azerbaijan.

The model is considered especially applicable to sectors like information technology, finance, education, and public administration. It also aims to benefit parents with young children, individuals with disabilities, students, and employees in remote or hybrid work settings.

For sectors that require continuous operation, specific regulatory mechanisms will guide the application of flexible hours. The Action Plan envisions studying international practices, conducting legal and institutional analyses, drafting normative legal acts, and gradually introducing the flexible working hours regime from 2026 to 2030.