Published on 27th June 2024
The percentage of people working from home in the European Union has nearly doubled in the past few years, from 11.1% in 2019 to 20% in 2022. Thanks, COVID! Telework (or ‘remote work’) has certainly become widespread since the pandemic. But as recent research by the World Employment Confederation shows, this desire for flexibility goes far beyond that and now represents a structural trend of the changing world of work.
The “The Work We Want” survey reveals that workers now value flexibility in when and where they work as much as other factors such as compensation. Employers also value flexibility, with 92% of surveyed executives saying they will need a more flexible workforce in the next two years, with the digital transformation being identified by 31% as a significant driver for change. Work is becoming less of a place to go and more of a task to perform.
Even in the agency work sector, where workers tend to have short assignments and change their place of work frequently, it is no longer necessary to work on location. It is important to embrace the opportunities associated with remote work and digitalisation for all forms of work and not discriminate against certain forms of employment. However, it should be recognized that many agency workers may not be able to work remotely due to the nature of their work. While there are opportunities associated with remote work, it is important to consider the specific needs of workers in different types of work when it comes to telework.
One of the challenges frequently associated with telework is the right to disconnect. There are concerns about whether workers’ rights, such as adequate working conditions and health and safety at work, are being upheld in a more digitalised work environment. The use of digital tools for work and the possibility of working remotely can lead to an ‘always-on’ work culture.
Responding to these evolving workplace dynamics, the European Commission has launched a consultation with European social partners to gather their views on possible EU action to ensure fair telework and the right to disconnect. The World Employment Confederation-Europe, while acknowledging the steps already taken by several EU instruments, Member States and social partners in this domain, questions the necessity of additional EU legislative measures. A formal right to disconnect should not be established at the European level but, if necessary, it could be considered at the national level and in accordance with national law and practice.
As the EU grapples with the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing work environment, the debate on how best to balance flexibility, rights, and responsibilities in the teleworking age continues.
