Impact of COVID-19 on a Sustainable Work Environment in the Context of Decent Work

https://doi.org/10.22364/iscflul.8.2.01 | Pages 12-20 | PDF

Dzintra Atstaja, Dr. oec., Professor
BA School of Business and Finance, Latvia

Sanita Osipova, Dr. iur., Professor
Faculty of Law, University of Latvia, Latvia

Gundega Dambe, Mg. edu.
Latvian Association for People Management, Latvia


Keywords: decent work, sustainability, work in the emergency situation, remote work, workplace well-being

Summary
The aim of the study is to analyse decent work as a value stemming from human dignity. The key factors include a safe and healthy work environment and working conditions, social protection, compliance with employment law, stability of a workplace, opportunities for development, training and self-fulfilment, mutual respect, contacts with colleagues, etc. The impact of the pandemic has changed employees’ views on “perfect job”. Remote work is only one of the new forms of employment created by digitalization, which will increasingly enter and strengthen the labour market. However, not all employers are equally prepared for change. The study will illustrate how the concept of decent work has changed in the context of the pandemic, so that the legislator and employers can reorganize themselves, creating appropriate work environment for employees and promoting the economic sustainability of the country.

 

The current paper has been prepared within the framework of the Latvian Council of Science project “The Impact of COVID-19 on Sustainable Consumption Behaviours and Circular Economy” (No. lzp-2020/2-0317).