Costa Rica passes law to implement telecommuting

In the words of Fifth Harmony, Costa Ricans can now work from home.

Wednesday, President Carlos Alvarado signed the Law to Regulate Teleworking in Costa Rica, which had been approved last month with a unanimous vote in the Legislative Assembly.

“We celebrate the signing of this law that regulates teleworking in Costa Rica, a new mechanism in line with the era of digitalization that promotes the generation of employment and the modernization of public and private companies,” President Alvarado said in a statement. 

The government considers the law as part of its plan to revitalize Costa Rica’s economy.

Authorities estimate that about 12,000 Costa Ricans already work from home.

Under the new law, telecommuting will remain voluntary for both the worker and the employer. However, both parties will need to adhere to an agreement that is compliant with Costa Rica’s Labor Code.

This includes mandatory work risk insurance for those telecommuting, according to Casa Presidencial.

The government says telecommuting presents several benefits, including:

• Contributing to the efficiency and optimization of the modern office.
• Promoting employment throughout the country.
• Generating savings for both the employer and the worker.
• Helping decongest Costa Rica’s roads and reduce its carbon footprint.