LEGISLATIVE UPDATE | Legislative Decree no. 105/2022
Legislative Decree no. 105/2022 was published on 29 July to implement Directive (EU) 2019/1158 on work–life balance for parents and carers.
The reform made compulsory paternity leave structural, changed parental-leave rules and extended protections for carers and persons assisting family members with disabilities. It also broadened access for different family situations and reinforced priority or protection in flexible-working arrangements.
International policies may offer generous leave but use categories or approval rules that do not match Italian statutory rights. A manager who treats protected leave as discretionary can expose the employer even where HR later corrects the payroll entry.
Employers should map statutory and enhanced company leave, update payroll codes and give managers a simple escalation protocol. Performance and promotion decisions involving recent leave-takers should be reviewed for objective evidence and consistency.