MEB teleworking conference: an opportunity for companies in Monaco

Over 130 key figures and economic stakeholders from the Principality packed the Salle Bellevue at the Café de Paris on 5 July at the invitation of the Monaco Economic Board (MEB). The event was a breakfast conference entitled: “Teleworking: an opportunity for Monaco”, a hot topic following the recent adoption of the bill by the National Council. Stéphane Valeri, Minister of Health and Social Affairs outlined the key principles of this evolution, followed by a Q&A session and testimonials from entrepreneurs. 

In his introduction, MEB Chairman Michel Dotta began by thanking the Economic and Social Council which in 2007 first put forward its desire to develop teleworking in the Principality. Nine years later, on 29 June and after a positive response from the French parliament which wasted no time ratifying the agreements, a teleworking bill was unanimously approved by the National Council. The Minister saw all this as a particularly good sign, indicating that a Ministerial Order would be published in a few days for the bill to take effect immediately.

In concrete terms, the new legislation opens up opportunities to create new jobs or adjust existing posts where employees could work from home for up to two-thirds of their working hours. Stéphane Valeri reminded the audience that, as for their other employees, employers would pay Monegasque social charges and employees would benefit from affiliation to Monaco’s Social Services Compensation Fund for the duration of their teleworking contract.

Patrick Moreau, member of the Board at Caisse d’Epargne Côte d’Azur, in charge of human resources, then gave valuable insight into the experience of his company who introduced teleworking as an experiment in France for over a year. The test phase proved conclusive and was endorsed by 100% of the teleworkers and managers who took part in the trial, which could now be extended to Monaco.

Other companies in the Principality are all set to go down this route, such as Monaco Telecom. Human Resources Director, Corinne Pirinoli, reported that its staff had high expectations, as evidenced by an internal survey revealing they put the introduction of teleworking above any other changes they would like to see in the company.

The issue of insurance was raised by two Monaco firms (Ascoma and Gramaglia) who, like other speakers, stressed that if teleworking is to be a success it was vital to establish a culture of mutual trust. Telis and Work Cocoon, Monegasque companies who are both MEB members supplying tools specifically for teleworking, were present to answer questions from HR managers and company directors.

To conclude, companies who wish to adopt teleworking can make an appointment with the Department of Employment with a view to implementing it in September, as the Department has a maximum of two months to approve the terms and conditions that each employer must submit beforehand. For Michel Dotta: “The Principality has everything to gain from teleworking.” It seems companies and the government have already ruled in its favour.  

Watch video : https://www.meb.mc/fr/videotheque

Stéphane Valeri, Minister of Health and Social Affairs with, from left to right, Sophie Vincent, Deputy Director of the Department of Employment, Michel Dotta, MEB Chairman, Patrick Moreau, Caisse d’Epargne Côte d’Azur Board member, and Philippe Ortelli, MEB Vice-Chairman (Credit DZ_Realis).