Telecommuting / Remote working

Definition of remote work

remote work is a form of work organization that enables employees tocarry out their professional duties away from traditional company premises, usually from home or any other location away from the physical office, such as a coworking space. According to a study by JLL, 53% of employees prefer to work remotely, showing that this practice is popular.

Background and development

remote work first appeared on the scene in the 1970s, but it's been over the last few decades in particular that it has enjoyed a remarkable boom, thanks in no small part to the expansion of computer networks and improved communication technologies. But it's only since the Covid-19 pandemic that the practice has gone global. Today, 55% of working French people telework at least one day a week, according to JLL.

remote work is encouraged to promote a better work-life balance for employees, as well as to respond to environmental issues by reducing commuting.

Legal framework and remote work

remote work has been regulated by law in France since March 22, 2012. The French Labor Code defines remote work as a form of work organization that must be formalized by an agreement between employer and employee. In particular, this agreement must specify the conditions under which remote work is implemented, how working hours are monitored, the equipment provided by the employer, and any expenses incurred by the employee.

remote work can be set up on an occasional or regular basis, depending on the needs of the company and its employees. It can be used in all business sectors, although some jobs requiring physical presence are less conducive to this practice.

Advantages and challenges of remote work

Teleworking offers numerous advantages for employees, employers and society in general. For employees, it offers greater flexibility in the organization of their schedules, providing 70% of them with a better work-life balance (JLL). Avoiding commuting can also reduce stress and transport-related expenses.

On the employer's side, remote work can help improve employee productivity by enabling them to work in an environment more conducive to concentration. What's more, it can reduce premises and energy costs, while enhancing the company's attractiveness to potential new talent.

From a societal point of view, remote work can help relieve congestion in large conurbations such as Paris, by dispersing economic activity throughout the region. It can also have a positive impact on the environment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by cutting down on business travel.

Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic profoundly changed working habits in many countries around the world, imposing remote work as a health precaution to limit the spread of the virus. Many companies had to adapt quickly and implement remote work on a large scale. This period demonstrated the feasibility of the practice, and paved the way for a new approach to work organization. There are now many job vacancies offering remote work, a valuable source of information for candidates interested in this option.

Challenges and new work organization

While remote work offers many advantages, it is not without its challenges and limitations. For some employees, working remotely can create a feeling of social isolation and a lack of interaction with colleagues, which can be detrimental to team cohesion and creativity. The organization of work must therefore incorporate moments for meeting and sharing to maintain a strong social bond.

In addition, teleworking can also raise questions about employment law, particularly with regard to working hours, vacation entitlement and the management of workplace accidents occurring at the employee's home.

Teleworking guide and resources

Faced with these challenges, numerous resources and guides have been developed to help companies and employees set up and manage remote work. Specialized services offer online training for teleworkers, videoconferencing solutions to facilitate remote meetings, and time and workload management tools.

The CCIs (Chambers of Commerce and Industry) in various French regions, for example, have developed support programs for companies wishing to implement remote work in an efficient and secure way.

Deskare also supports companies making the transition to flex office and hybrid working with its intuitive, easy-to-use management platform.

To sum up

remote work means working outside the office. It's a constantly evolving phenomenon, accelerated by the exceptional circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic. In France, more and more companies are integrating this practice into their work organization for its many advantages in terms of flexibility, productivity and environmental impact. However, it is essential to meet the challenges associated with remote work and to put in place an organization that guarantees both the well-being of employees and the long-term viability of the company.

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